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FRENCH  S  STANDARD  DRAMA 

THE    ACTIXG   EDITION. 

No.  CLXXIX. 


THE 

BEIDE  or  LAMMEEMOOE. 

gi.  gntm-j,  ill  ^i&c  gid3. 


BY  JOHN  WILLIAM  CALCRAFT. 


TO   WHICH  ARE  ADDED 

A  De»cripUon  of  the  Costame— Cast  of  the  Characters— Entrances  and  Eslfe 
Belative  Position  of  the  Performers  on  the  Stage,  and  the 
whole  of  the  Stage  Business. 


AS  PERFOKMED  AT  THE  PKIXCIPAL 

LONDON  AND   AMERICAN   THEATRES. 


NEW   YORK: 

SAMUEL     FRENCH, 

122  Nassau  Street,  (Up  Stairs.) 


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(l63      By  SA;MA  14AI{I5AUA 


(Cflstumt. — [CuiDE  OF  Lammermoor.] 


SIR  WILLIA^M.— Grave  looking   suit  of   the  time  of 

Queen  Anne. 
COLONEL    ASHTON.— Richly   embroidered    military 

uniform  of  that  period. 
HENRY  ASHTON,  (a  Boy  of  14.)— This  dress  must  he 

fanciful. 
RAVENSWOOD.— Black  mourning  dress  of  the  time  of 

Queene   Anne,  with   high   boots   and  spurs.     Large 

nrourning  cloak  for  First  Scene. 

BUCKLAW.— Plain  country  Squire  of  1700.  Second: 
Richly  embroidered  full  dress. 

CRAIGENGELT.— Similar  to  Gibbet  in  the  'Beaux 
Stratagem,'  very  shabby.  Second:  Gaudily  embroi- 
dered military  dress. 

CALEB. — Red  breeches,  tartan  M'aistcoat,  worsted 
stockings,  night  caj) — all  very  much  worn,  mended 
and  patched.  Second:  Heavy  old  fashioned  livery 
coat  and  waistcoat,  much  worn. 

RANDOLPH. — Clergyman's  gown  and  bands. 

LOCKHART.— Plain  dark  dress. 

NORMAN  AND  FORESTERS.— Green  hunting  dresses 
and  carbines. 

LADY  ASHTON.— Traveling  dress.  Second :  Full  even- 
ing dress  of  1700. 

LUCY  ASHTON.— Plain  silk  or  satin,  with  plaid  scarf. 
Second:  Bridal  dress. 

iLICE  GRAY. — Plain  mourning  dress  of  a  peasant's 
widow. 


THE  BRIDE  OF  LAMMERMOOR 


ACT  I. 


SCENE  I. — A  Gothic  Library  in  Ravejiswood  Castle. 
Enter  Sir  William   Ashton,   IjOckhakt  following,   r. 

Sir  W.  JMy  orders,  sir.  were  positive  ;  and,  if  the  young 
Master  of  Ilavenswood  dared  oppose,  force  should  have 
compelled  obedience. 

Lock.  It  was  impossible,  my  lord,  to  execute  your  or- 
ders, surrounded  as  we  were  by  ail  the  kinsmen  of  tha 
family  :  the  Master  drew  his  sword,  and  tlireatened  the 
clergyman  with  personal  violence  unless  he  proceeded  with 
the  ceremony. 

Sir  W.  Did  the  rest  second  this  resolution  ? 

Lock.  All,  my  lord  :  an  hundred  weapons  were  dis- 
played in  an  instant,  and  young  Edgar,  e.xclaiming  he  knew 
well  from  whom  this  blow  proceeded,  uttered  the  most 
contemptuous  expressions  against  you,  and  the  authority 
you  are  invested  with.  We  were  compelled  to  leave  the 
chapel,  happy  to  escape  witli  our  lives. 

Sir  W.  i  can  scarcely  commend  your  prudence,  sir. 
The  consequences  may  be  more  important  than  you  are 
aware  of.  Leave  me.  \_Exit  Lock/iari,  r.]  Young  Ra- 
venswood  is  now  completely  in  my  grasp,  and  he  shall 
either  bend  or  break.  Tiiis  boy — this  hare-brained  fool- 
has  wrecked  his  vessel  before  siie  has  cleared  the  harbour. 
But  I  would  not  touch  his  life,  even  though  it  should  be 
in  my  power.  Yet,  if  he  live  till  a  change  of  times,  what 
follows  ?      Restitution  :  perliaps  revenge. 

Enter  Lucy  Ashton',  l. 

Lucy.  My  father  here  !  I  fear  I  have  disturbed  you, 
sir;   1  did  not  know  you  were  in  the  library. 

Sir  W.  My  sweet  Lucy,  your  presence  is  alwayi  weU 
come. 


10  tHE  eniCE  OF  LAMMERMOOR.  f  ACT  I. 

Lucy.  Nay,  nay.  dear  father,  'tis  your  kindness  induces 
you  to  say  so.  But,  since  I  have  intrudt;d  upon  you,  I 
have  a  r(.;quest  to  make,  if  you  are  nut  occupied  ia  mat- 
ters of  Wri()ortance. 

Sir  W.   Name  it,  Lucy. 

Lucy.  You  know,  my  dear  sir,  I  have  lonsj  wished  to 
conduct  you  to  the  residence  of  old  Alice.  'Tis  si^arcc ly 
live  minuttes'  walk  from  the  castle,  and  the  day  is  fine  ;— 
will  you  now  gratify  me  ? 

Sir  W.  1  confess  you  have  raised  my  curiosity.  We 
will  go  immediately.  [Exeunt,  h, 

SCENE  ll.—The   Mermaidcn's   Well,       Cut    and  Back 
Woods. 

£n/er  Edgar  Ravenswood   in  a  shooting -dress,   with  a 
gun  in  his  hand,  L.  u.  e. 

Rav.  For  the  last  time,  ere  fortune  drives  me  from  my 
native  land,  I  come  to  seek  the  spoiler  of  my  l-.ouse  Na. 
ture  recoils  from  shedding  blood  ;  yet,  as  I  wander  through 
these  lofty  woods,  which  once  were  mine,  in  every  breeze 
I  hear  a  voice,  which  echoes  back  the  feelings  of  my  heart. 
The  demon  of  revenge  has  planted  scorpioiu  here  ;  and 
from  the  grave  my  father's  spirit  cries  for  retribution.  \_A 
shriek  without,  r.  u.  e.]  Ila  !  [Looking  off,  r.  u.  e.] 
■what  do  I  behold  ?  a  savage  bull  pursues  the  ohject  of  my 
hate,  who  struggles  to  supjiort  a  fainting  female.  One 
instant,  and  inevitable  death  awaits  them.  Can  1  look  on, 
and  leave  them  to  this  cruel  fate,  yet  have  the  power  to 
save  ?  Away  1  away  1  A  moment's  hesitation  would  dis- 
grace the  name  of  man. 

[Rushes  out,  R.  u.  E.  A  shot  is  fired  without,  and 
Ravenswood  returns,  l/earirig  Lucy  senseless  in 
his  arms.  He  places  her  on  a  dank  near  the  well, 
and  kneels  beside  he) — she  recovers  slowly. 

Lucy.  [Looking  ivildly  around.]  My  father  1  my  fa- 
ther! 

Rav.  Sir  William  is  perfectly  safe,  madam.  He  is  gone 
for  further  assistance,  and  will  be  here  instantly. 

Lucy.  Oh  !  sir,  are  you  certain  he  is  sate  ?  The  savage 
animal  was  close  by  us.  Do  not  stop  me;  I  must  go  and 
seek  my  father.    [She  is  fainting ,  Ravenswood  supports  her. 

Rav.  Do  not  make  yourself  uneasy  on  his  account. 
Fate  kas  singularly  preserved  him.     I  must  now  leave  you. 


SCENE  II.]     THE  BRIDE  OF  LAMMERMOOR.  H 

madam,  and  under  the  protection  of  those  to  whom  it  is 
possible    you   may   this  day  have    been  a   guardian    angel. 

[Guilty,  L. 

Lucy.  Yet  stay  till  my  father,  the  Lord  Keejier,  comes  : 
only  permit  him  to  offer  his  thaiilis,  and  to  inquire  your 
name. 

Rav.  It  is  unnecessary  to  mention  my  name.  Your 
fatiier — I  would  rather  say.  Sir  William  Ashton — will 
leain  it  soon  enough  for  all  tiie  pleasure  it  is  likely  to 
afford  him. 

Lucy.  You  mistake  him.  He  will  be  grateful,  for  my 
sake  and  for  his  owii.  You  do  not  know  my  father,  or  you 
are  deceiving  me  with  a  story  of  his  safety,  when  he  has 
fallen  a  victim  to  the  fury  of  tiiat  animal. 

Rav.  On  the  word  of  a  gentleman,  madam,  I  tell  you 
the  trutli.      Your  father  is  in  perfect  safety. 

Lucy.  [Taking  his  arm.']  Oli  !  if  you  be  a  gentleman  ; 
if  you  be  a  man,  as>i5t  me  to  find  my  father.  You  shall 
not  leave  me,  you  shall  go  with  me.  He  is  dying  perhaps, 
while  we  are  talking  here. 

Enter  Sir  William  Ashton,  Nokman,  and  two  Fores- 
ters, R.     Norman  and  Foresters  go  up,  L. 

Sir  W.    [As  he  enters.']   My  child  !   my  child  ! 

Lucy.  My  dear,  dear  father  !     [Runs  and  embraces  him. 

Sir  W.  My  dear,  dear  Lucy,  are  you  safe  }  Are  you 
well  ? 

Lucy.  I  am  quite  well,  sir,  and  still  more  that  I  see  you 
so.      But  tiiis  gentleman,  what  must  he  think  of  me  ? 

Sir  IV.  [Crossing  to  Edgar.]  This  gentleman  will,  I 
trust,  not  regret  tlie  trouble  we  have  given  him,  when  I 
assure  him  of  the  Lord  Keeper's  eternal  gratitude  for  the 
greatest  service  which  one  man  ever  rendered  to  another. 
For  the  life  of  my  child,  for  my  own  life,  wiiich  he  has 
saved  by  his  bravery  and  presence  of  mind,  he  will,  I  am 
sure,  permit  us  to  request 

Rav.  Request  nothing  of  me,  my  lord ;  I  am  the  Mas- 
ter of  Ravenswond  I  [Ej:it,  L. 

Sir  W.  The  Master  of  Ravenswood  1  Hasten  after  him  I 
Stop  him  I  Beg  iiini  to  speak  to  me  for  a  single  moment. 
[Exeunt  Norman  and  two  Foresters,  i.. 
My  life  preserved  by  the  very  man  I  have  been  warned 
against — whom  1  regarded  as  my  bitterest  enemy  1  My 
daughter's,  too  1 


Xa  THE  BRIDE  OF  LA.MMERMOOB.  [^ACT  1. 

Re-enter  Torman,  l. 

Sir  W.   Well,  sir  ? 

Nur.    He  jiuc  said,  he  wadna'  come  back,  my  lord. 

Sir  W.  tie  said  something  more,  sir,  and  1  insist  on 
knowing  wliac  it  was. 

Nor.  Why  then,  my  lord,  he  said — but  it  wad  be  nae 
pleasure  to  your  lordsnip  to  hear  it — and  1  dare  say  the 
Mastjr  meant  nae  ill. 

Sir  W.  That's  none  of  your  concern,  sir  :  I  desire  to 
bcsr  tiie  very  words. 

N'tr.  Well  turn,  my  lord,  he  said,  tell  Sir  William  Ash- 
ton  tnat  tiie  neist  time  he  and  1  foresjatner,  he  will  not  be 
half  sae  blytne  of  our  mettin^  as  of  our  parting. 

Sir  W.  Very  well,  sir.  1  believe  he  alluues  to  a  wager 
we  have  on  our  hawi<s.  It's  a  matter  of  no  consequence. 
Retire — [Norman  retires  up,  crossing  vjith  the  ot/ter  two 
Foresters  to  r.  s.  e.] — and  attend  us  to  the  castle.  How 
shall  1  act?  Tne  man  wlio  saved  my  life  rejects  my 
thanks,  and  shuns  me  as  his  mortal  enemy  !  1  liave  tlie 
power  to  serve  him  ;  and  honour,  gratitude,  demand  I 
should  exert  it.  It  siiall  be  SO.  Lucy,  my  love,  we  must 
notsuflV.r  our  preserver  thus  to  leave  us. 

Lucy.  Oh  '.  my  dear  father.  Heaven  seems  to  inter-, 
pose  this  accident  to  end  our  ancient  feuds  ;  and  since  V.i, 
to  whom  we  are  so  deejily  indebted,  regards  us  with  here- 
ditary hatred,  let  us  ii.-.e  superior  to  tne  dictates  of  mis- 
taken ])i'lde,  seek  him  in  his  own  dwelling,  brave  his  re- 
sentment, root  out  long-cherisiied  enmity,  nor  leave  him, 
till,  by  perseverance,  we  have  won  his  friendship,  and 
changed  suspicion  and  mistrust  for  lasting  confidence. 

\_Exeunt,  R. 

SCENE  III.— A  Room  in  a  Villaye  Inn.  called  the  Tod's 
Den — a  Lamp  on  the  Table. 

BucKLAW  and  Craigkngei.t  discovered,  seated  back  to 
back,  their  le^s  stretched  on  stools. 

Btick.  W^hat  the  foul  liend  can  have  detained  the  Mas- 
ter so  long!  He  must  have  miscarried  in  his  enterprise. 
Why  did  you  dissuade  me  from  going  with  him  ? 

Craig.  One  man  is  enough  to  right  his  own  wrong.  We 
venture  our  lives  for  him  in  coming  thus  far  on  such  an 
errand. 

Buck.  You  are  but  a  craven,  after  all,  Craisrpnaelt ;  and 
that's  v.iifii  liiaiiv  fulk  have  tliought  of  you  before  now. 


8CKNE  III.]  THE  BRIDE  OP  LAMMERMOOR.  13 

Craig.  But  what  no  one  has  dared  to  tell  me — [Lays 
his  hand  on  his  swur(l\ — and,  but  that  I  liold  u  liaacy  luaa 
no  belter  tlian  a  fool,  i  would 

Duck.   Would  you  ?  and  wiiy  don't  you,  then  ? 

Craiy.  Because  there's  a  deeper  stake  than  the  lives  of 
twenty  hare-brained  gowks  like  you. 

Buck.  But  what  do  you  mean  to  do  with  this  poor  fel- 
low,  Kavenswood  ?    He  Has  no  money  left,  any  more  than  I. 

Craiff.  Content  yourself,  Bucklaw  !  1  know  my  busi- 
ness. He  has  parts  and  address,  as  well  as  courage  and 
talenrs,  and  wiil  present  himself  abroad,  like  a  youn^  fel- 
low of  head  as  well  as  heart,  who  knows  soraethiu^  more 
than  the  sjieed  of  a  horse  and  tiie  fliijht  of  a  hawk. 

Buck,  And  yet  isn't  wise  enous,Mi  to  escape  the  tricks  of 
a  kidnapper,  (jrai^ie  !  \_Ci'aiyengelt  assianes  an  air  nf  in- 
dignatiDii,  and  puts  his  hand  on  his  sword-uili .]  Hut 
don't  be  aiii;ry  ;  you  know  you  won't  fight,  so  juat  leave 
your  hilt  alone,  and  tell  me  hovr  you  drew  him  into  yuur 
confidence. 

Craig.  Simply,  by  flattering  his  love  of  vengeance.  He 
is  now  gone  to  expostulate,  as  he  says,  and  perhaps  tiiinks, 
with  Sir  William  ^shton.  I  say,  if  they  meet,  ten  to  one 
but  the  Master  kills  him.  Scotland  will  be  too  hot  to 
hold  iiira.  France  will  i;ain  him,  and  we  shall  all  set  sail  in 
the  French  brig  L'Espoir,  which  is  hovering  for  us  utT 
Eyemouth.  [Both  rise  and  conip  forward. 

Buck.  Content,  say  I;  and  if  carrying  the  Masier  with 
lis  will  ensure  us  a  better  reception,  I  hope  he  will  shoot 
the  Lord  Keeper  before  he  returns.  I  doubt  our  own 
merits  will  get  us  but  slender  preferment.  But  stay,  he 
comes  ;    1  hear  a  horse's  feet. 

Craig.  [Crossing  io  R.]  Are  you  sure  there  is  only  one  ? 
I  fear  there  is  a  cnase.  1  think  1  hear  three  or  four  gal- 
loping   together.       1    am    sure    I    hear     more    than  one. 

[Crosses  to  r,. 

Buck.  [Shps  Craigengelt  on  the  shoulder,  who  starts 
over  to  L.  comer.]  Pooh,  pooh,  man  !  it's  only  the  wench 
of  tiie  house  clattering  to  the  well  in  her  pattens.  Why, 
you're  more  easily  scared  than  a  wild  goose. 

Craig.   Eh  ?   what  !  [Affecting  to  draw  his  sword. 

Buck.  Leave  it  alone,  Craigie  !  You  won't,  you  know. 
[Craigengelt  crosses  sulkily  to  i..]  But  here  comes  Ra- 
venswood  alone,  and  looking  as  gloomy  as  a  night  in  No- 
vember 1 


14  THE   BRIDE  OF  LAMMERMOOR.  [aCT  I. 

Enter  Ravenswood,  r.    He  goes  to  the  table  and  sits 

'Craig.  Well,  what  has  happened  ?  What  have  you  done  ? 
Rav.  Nothing. 

Craig.  Nochiiig!  and  left  us  determined  to  call  the  old 
villaia   to  account  for  all  the  injuiies  you,   we,    and    the 
whole  country  have  received  !     Have  you  seen  liiui  ? 
Rav.   I  have. 

Buck.  Seen  him !  and  come  away  without  settling 
scores  wliicn  have  been  so  long  due  ?  I  should  not  have 
expected  tnat  at  your  liand,  Master? 

Rav.  ISo  matter  what  you  expt-cted,  sir.  It  is  not  to 
you  1  shall  be  disposed  to  accouuc  for  my  conduct.  [_Rises 
and  comes  down,  R. 

Craig.  Patience,  Bucklaw.  The  Master  has  been  inter- 
rupted by  some  accident — [^Swaggering  up  to  Ravens- 
wood] — but  he  will  excuse  the  anxiety  ot  friends. 

Rav.  Friends  1  Captain  Craigengelt — [Craigengelt  re- 
treats to  I,.] — I  think  our  frieiulsnip  amounts  to  tins  ;  that 
I  agreed  to  leave  Scotland  with  you  as  soon  as  I  had  visited 
the  mansion  of  my  fathers,  auu  bad  an  interview  with  its 
present  possessor. 

Ruck.  Very  true,  Master;  and,  as  we  thought  you  had 
a  mind  to  do  something  to  put  your  neck  in  jeopardy,  we 
agreed  to  tarry  lor  you,  though  ours  might  run  some  risk 
in  consequence.  As  to  Craigie,  it  does  not  mucli  signify: 
be  had  gallows  written  on  Ins  brow,  in  the  hour  of  his 
birth.  [Craigengelt  puts  lii>  hand  on  his  sword,]  Non- 
sense, Craigie,  you  won't  fight,  you  know  ;  but  I  should 
not  like  to  discredit  my  parentage  by  coming  to  such  an 
end.  and  in  another  man's  causs,  too. 

Rav.  Gentlemen,  if  1  iiave  (icrasioned  you  any  inconve- 
nience, 1  am  heartily  sorry  ;  V'lt,  respecting  my  own 
affairs.  I  shall  judge  for  myself,  and  am  determined  not  to 
leave  the  country  this  season. 

Buck.   Not  leave  the  country  !  [Ones  vp  angrily,  c. 

Craig.  [Bombastically .1  Not  leave  the  country  !  after 
all  the  trouble  and  expense  1  have  incurred  ? 

Rav.  Sir,  I  repeal,  for  the  trouble  yc  w  have  had  on  my 
account,  1  thank  you  ;  the  exfiense  you  have  been  put  to 
admits  of  a  more  solid  compensaUDn.  'ake  my  pur^e, 
and  pay  yourself  according  to  your  own  conscience. 

[Thi-ows    his   purse    on  the  table  j  Cruigengelt  it 
going  to  take  it. 
Buck.    [Coming  down  Ijclween   them   behind  the   tabit, 


SCENE  IV.]    THE  BRIDE  OF  LAM3/EUM00R.  15 

which  he  strikes  with  his  sword,  c]  Your  fingers,  Crai- 
gie,  seem  to  itcii  for  tiiac  same  piece  of  green  net-work  ; 
but  1  make  my  vow  to  lieaveii,  that,  if  tliey  offer  to  close 
upon  it,  I'll  chop  tliein  oti"  with  my  whinger.  Since  the 
Master  has  ciianged  his  mind,  1  suppose  we  need  stay  here 
no  longer;   but,  in  tiie  first  place,  1  beg  leave  to  tell  liira — 

Craig.  Tell  him  anything  you  will,  but  allow  me  first  to 
State  ttie  difticulty  of  an  introduction  at  Versailles,  with- 
out  the  countenance  of  those  wuo  have  established  useful 
connexions. 

Ruck.  Besides  forfeiting  the  friendship  of  at  least  cne 
man  of  spirit  and  honour. 

Rav.  Gentlemen,  permit  me  once  more  to  assure  you, 
that  you  have  been  pleased  to  attach  to  our  temporary 
connexion  more  importance  than  1  ever  meant  it  should 
have.  When  I  re{)air  to  foreign  courts,  I  shall  not  need 
the  introduction  of  an  intriguing  adventurer,  nor  is  it 
necessary  for  me  to  set  value  on  the  fiienasuip  of  a  hot- 
headed  buliy.  \_Exit,  R. 

Craig.   Morblieu  !   my  recruit  is  lost  I 

Buck.  Ay,  Craigie,  the  salmon  is  off  with  hook  and  all. 
But  I'll  after  him  ;  for  I've  iiad  rather  more  of  his  inso- 
lence than  I  can  well  digest.  \_Going. 

Craig.   You  had  better  let  me  go  with  you. 

Buck.   No,    no,    Craigie ;    keep    you    the  cheek  of   the 

chimney-nook  till  I  come  buck.      You  know  you  are  not  a 

lighting  man;   and  remember  the  old  proverb — •  I''s  good 

sleeping  in  a  hale  skin.'     [Exit  rapidly,  while  speaking,  r. 

[^Craigeiigelt  goes   to  R.  after    hint,   recollects   the 

pume,  tvhicU  remains  on  the  tabic,  turns,  takes  it, 

puts  it  in  his  pocket,  and  walks  off,  r. 

SCENE  IV.— ^  Glen   in  the  neighbourhood  of  Wolf's 
Crag.     2'he  2'ower,  l.  u.  e. 

Ravenswood  discovered  crossing  from  r.  to  l.  slow/g, 
his  arms  folded,  and  apparintly  in  deep  med-tatwn. 
Enter  hvcm.A'W  hastily,  and  out  of  breath,  l. 

Buck.  Halt,  sir  !  As  soon  as  I  can  spenk,  I'll  tell  you 
my  purjiose.  I  am  no  political  agent — no  Captain  Ciaig- 
engell  :  lam  Frank  Hayston,  of  BuciUaw  ;  and  no  man 
ever  injures  me  by  word,  deed,  sign,  or  look,  but  he  must 
render  me  an  account  of  it- 

Ear.  This  is  all  very  well,  sir  ;  but  I  have  no  quarrel 
Willi  \ou.  and  ue.-iie  to  iiave  none.  [CVoiic*  to  R, 


16  THE  BRIDE  OF  LAMMEUMOOU.  [^ACT  1. 

Buck.  Come,  come,  fine  airs  and  wise  saws  shall  not 
carry  u  off  thus.  You  termed  me  bully,  and  you  shall  re- 
tract the  word  before  we  part. 

Jiav.  Scarcely,  unless  you  show  me  better  reasons  for 
believmg  myself  mistaken  than  you  are  now  producing. 

Buck.  Draw,  then.  1  always  thousjht  and  said  you 
were  a  pretty  man,  and  should  be  sorry  to  report  you 
otherwise. 

Rav.  You  shall  have  no  reason,  sir.  Defend  yourself. 
[They  Jiu fit ;  Bucklaw  is  disarmed  and  tltvutvnupon  one 
Anee.j      Take  your  life,  and  mend  it,  if  you  can. 

Buck.  It  would  be  but  a  cobbled  piece  of  work,  I  fear. 
But  I  tiiank  you.  Master,  for  my  life.  There's  my  hand. 
I  bear  yuu  no  ill  wHl. 

Rav.  [Takhi!/  his  hand,  after  a  pause."]  Bucklaw,  you 
are  a  generous  fellow,  and  1  am  convinced  1  have  done 
you  wrong. 

Buck.  Are  you  indeed  ?  That's  more  than  I  expected  ; 
for  men  say  you  are  not  too  ready  to  retract  your  opinions 
or  your  lans;uai;e. 

Rav.   Not  when  I  have  well  considered  them. 

Buck.  Then  you  are  little  wiser  than  I  am.  I  always 
give  my  friend  satisfaction  first,  and  explanation  after- 
wards. 

Rav.  How  is  it,  Bucklaw,  you  are  so  intimate  with 
Craigengelt,  so  much  your  inferior  in  birth  and  spirit .' 

Buck.  In  pl.iin  terms,  because  I  am  a  fool,  who  have 
gambled  away  my  land,  and  been  silly  enouijh  to  put  my 
thumb  under  liis  belt.  1  dare  sav,  by  tiiis  time,  ne  has 
told  a  dozen  pretty  stories  of  me  to  the  government,  the 
end  of  which  will  be,  that  I  shall  be  made  shorter  by  the 
head  ;  and  this  is  what  1  have  got  by  wine,  women,  dice, 
cocks,  doijs.  and  horses. 

Rav.  True,  Bucklaw.  You  have  indeed  nourished  in 
your  bosom  the  snakes  that  are  stinging  you. 

Buck.  Well,  well.  I  must  petition  for  a  lodging,  the 
remainder  of  the  night,  at  Wolf's  Crag.  I  fear  discovery, 
should  I  return  to  tiie  inn,  and — 

Rav.  The  shelter  of  my  roof  you  are  welcome  to.  There 
sits  the  only  m.ile  domestic  that  remains  to  the  house  of 
Ravenswood  ;  and  'lis  well  he  does  remain,  or  we  had 
little  hope  to  find  liijht  or  fire.  [Goes  up  to  the  gate,  and 
knocks  loniUii  several  times.]  Tlie  old  man  must  be  de- 
parted, or  laileii  into  a  fit,  for  tiie  noise  I  have  trade 
would  hrivc  auaktir-d  tiie  seven  slteiipis.      (Knocks  aufnu. 


SCENE  I  V.J    THE  bJlIDE  OV  LAMMEHMOOR.  17 

The  light  dinappcars  from  the  windoiv,  and  Caleb,  with  a 
lamp  III  his  hand,  cati/ionsti/  opens  a  small  casement  over 
the  gale,  and  puis  out  his  head, 

Caleb.  Wii:it's  your  wuli  ? 

Hav.   Caleb  ! 

Caleb.  Master,  is't  you  ? 

Rav.   Yes,  Caleb,  'tis  I ;  open  the  door  quicklr. 

Caleb.  But  is  it  you  in  very  blood  and  body  ?  for  I 
would  sooner  face  fifty  devils  than  my  maister's  ghaist.  or 
even  his  wraith  ;  wlierefore,  aroint  ye,  if  ye  were  ten  times 
my  master,  unless  ye  come  in  bodily  shape,  lith  and  limb. 

Rav.  It  is  I,  Caleb,  in  bodily  shape  and  alive;  save 
that  I  was  half  dead  with  cold. 

Caleb.  Aweel.  aweel,  a  moment's  patience,  while  I  un- 
bar the  gate.  But  are  ye  in  truth  men  o'  mould  that  de- 
mand entrance  at  sic  a  time  o'  night .'  \_Goes  in. 

Buck.  If  I  were  near  you,  you  old  blockhead,  I'd  give 
you  suffiaienl  proof  of  my  bodily  condition. 

Rao.  Open  the  gate,  Caleb. 

Caleb  slowly  and  cautiously  opens  the  gate,  and  comes 
out  with  the  lamp  in  his  hand, 

Caleb.  [Advancitig,  I,.]  Is  it  you,  my  dear  master  ?  Is 
it  yoursel'  indeed  I  And  a  strange  geiulemati  witij  a — 
^Calling] — IMysie,  Mysie,  woman  I  Stir  for  dear  life, 
and  get  the  fire  mended  ;  tak'  the  auld  three-lez'sred  stool, 
or  ony  thing  that's  readiest,  that  will  mak'  a  lowe.  I 
doubt  we  are  but  puirly  provided,  no  expecting  you  these 
some  montiis  ;    natheUss — 

Rav.  Natheless,  Caleb,  we  must  be  accommodated  the 
best  way  you  can.  1  hope  you  are  not  sorry  to  see  me 
sooner  than  expected  ? 

Caleb,  oorry.  my  lord !  I  am  sure  ye  sail  aye  be  my 
lord  wi'  a'  honest  men.  as  your  noble  ancestors  were  three 
hundred  years  ago.  Sorry  to  see  the  Lord  o'  Ilavenswood. 
at  ane  o'  his  ain  castles.  [To  Mysie,  tvithin.]  Mysie, 
kill  the  brood  hen  without  tliinking  twice  on't  ;  let  them 
care  tiiat  come  ahint.  [Crossing  to  Bucklaw.]  No  that 
it's  our  best  dwelling,  but  just  a  place  o'  strength  for  the 
Lord  o'  Ilavenswood  to  fiee  until — that  is,  not  to  flee,  but 
to  retreat  until — in  perilous  times;  but,  for  its  antiquity, 
maist  folk  liiink  tiie  outside  of  Wolf's  Crag  is  worthy  of  a 
larire  perusal. 

Rio.  Anci  you  scc:>i  determined  we  shall  have  time  to 
maivi;  it,  Caleo  ! 


18  THE  BRIDK  OF  LAMMERMOOR.  [aCT  I. 

Buck.  Oh,  never  mind  the  outside  of  the  bouse,  nay 
good  friend  ;  let's  see  tlie  inside,  that's  all. 

Caleb.  C)h,  yes,  sir — ay,  sir — unquestionably,  sir — my 
lord,  and  ony  o'  his  honourable  coiupauious.  Here,  John  I 
Thomas!   Saunders!    William! 

Rav.  I  think,  Caleb,  you  had  better  trust  to  yourself,  or 
I  see  little  chance  of  our  being  attended  to  at  all. 

Caleb.  Whisht,  sir  !  For  heaven's  sake  !  If  ye  dinna 
regard  your  ain  credit,  think  o'  mine!  We'll  hae  hard 
eiieugh  wark  to  make  a  decent  night  on't,  tvi'  all  the  lies 
I  c^n  tell. 

Rav.  Silence,  Caleb,  and  show  us  the  way. 

Caleb.  Weel,  weel ;  it  is  no  for  the  like  o'  me  to  dispute 
your  lionour's  bidding;  but  the  lamp  is  no  fit— for  the 
credit  o'  the  family,  the  siller  candlesticks  1 

Rav.  Silence,  Caleb,  and  proceed  ! 

\_Ea;eu}it  into  ike  tower,  L.  u.  B. 

SCENE  Y.—The  Hall  in  Wolf's  Crag. 

Enter  Cat-kb,  showing  in  Ravbnswood  and  Buckla"W. 

He  places  the  lamp  on  the  table,  and  exit,  r. 

Rai\  Comfort,  Bucklaw,  I  cannot  provide  for  you,  fori 
have  it  not  for  myself.  Shelter  and  safety,  I  think  I  caa 
promise. 

Buck.  Excellent  things.  Master;  and  with  a  mouthful 
of  food  and  wine,  all  I  can  require  for  the  remainder  of  the 
iiiyht. 

Rav.  I  fear  your  repast  will  be  a  poor  one.  [They  re- 
tire lip,  c.  A  noise  heard  without,  R.,  between 
Caleb  and  Mt/sie. 

Enter  Caleb  and  Mysie,  r. 

Caleb.  Just  make  the  best  on't — make  the  best  on't, 
woman.      It's  easy  to  put  a  fair  face  on  ony  tiling. 

Mysie.  But  the  auld  brood-hen  ?  She'll  be  as  teugh  as 
bow-stiings  and  bend-leather. 

Caleb.  Say  ye  made  a  mistak' — say  ye  made  a  mistak', 
Mysie!  Tak'  it  a"  on  yoursel' ;  never  let  the  credit  o' 
the  house  suffer. 

Mysie.  But  the  brood-hen  ?  an'  she  sitting  some  gate 
aneath  the  dais  in  the  ither  cliaumer  ;  and  I  am  feared  to 
gang  in  the  dark,  for  the  bogle  ;  and  there's  no  anitlier 
light  in  the  house,  sjve  thi.t  blessed  lamp  whilk  standi 
upon  the  table. 


8CENB  v.]   THK  BRIDE  OF  LAMMERMOOR.  19 

Caleb.  Weel,  weel,  Mysie,  bide  ye  a  wee,  and  I'll  tr.y  to 

get  the  lamp  wiled  awa  frae  them.  \^Ej:it  Mf/me,  R. 

[Ravciiswood  comes  forivard,  r.  and  Bucklaw,  t,. 

Rav.  Well,  Caleb,  ray  old  fnend,  is  tiiere  any  chauce  of 
supper  ? 

Caleb.  Chance  of  supper,  your  lordship !  How  suld 
there  be  any  doubt  o'  that,  and  we  in  your  lordship's 
house!  Chance  o'  supper,  indeed!  But  ye'll  no  be  tor 
butcher  meat.  There's  waltli  o'  fat  poultry  eitiier  for  spit 
or  brander.      \_CaLlin(/.']      The  fat  capon,  Mysie  ! 

Buck.  Nay,  nay,  my  good  fiietid,  if  you  have  anything 
cold,  or  a  morsel  of  bread. 

Caleb.  [Crossing  to  Bucklaw.']  The  best  o'  bannocks  I 
and  for  cauld  meat,  a'  that  we  hae  is  cauld  eneugh. 

Rav.  Come,  Caleb,  1  must  cut  tliis  matter  short.  This 
is  the  young  Laird  of  Buclilaw — he  is  under  hiding,  and 
therefore,  you  know 

Caleb.  Oh,  then  he  canna  say  muckle  again  our  house- 
keeping, for  I  believe  his  ain  pinches  may  match  ours;  no 
that  we  are  pinclied.  thank  God!  but  nae  doubt,  waur  aff  Chan 
we  hae  been,  or  suld  be  ;  and  for  eating — [Aside.]  What  sig- 
nifies a  lie  ; — tiiere's  juse  the  hindt-r  end  of  the  mutton  ham 
that  lias  been  but  three  times  on  the  table,  and  tiie  nearer 
the  bane  the  sweeter — as  your  honours  weel  ken — and 
there's  the  heel  o'  the  ewe-milk  kebbuck,  wi'  a  bit  o'  nice 
butter,  and — and — and  that's  a'  tiiat's  to  trust  to. 

Buck.  Never  fear,  my  old  friend,  we'll  do  justice  to  it. 
Get  it  ready.  But,  in  the  meantime,  give  me  a  drink  of 
your  ale. 

Caleb.  Ale  !  I  wadna  just  now  presume  to  recommend 
our  ale — the  maut  was  ill  made,  and  there  was  awfu'  thun- 
ner  last  week  ;  but  siccan  water  as  the  tower  well  has  ye'll 
seldom  see,  and  that  I'll  engage  for. 

Buck.   [Turning  aside.]   D — n  your  water  I 

Caleb.  It's  a  perfect  cordial. 

Buck.  You  may  take  it  yourself,  then ;  but  fetch  me 
some  wine. 

Caleb.  [Aside.]  I  was  jalousing  this  chiel  was  nae  water 
drinker.  W'me  I  Eneugh  o'  wine — i:  was  but  twa  days 
syne,  waes  me  for  tne  cause  I  There  never  was  lack  o' 
wine  at  Wolf's  Crag. 

Rav.  Fetch  us  some,  then,  if  you  have  any  left,  instead 
of  talking  about  it :  but  first  light  Mr.  Bucklaw  and  myself 
to  the  apartment  he  is  to  occupy — the  secret  chamber. 

Caleb.  The  secret  chaumer  1     [Crossing  to  c. 


20  THE  BRIDE  O't?  LAMMERMOOU.  [aCT  II. 

Buck.  Nay,  'tis  now  too  near  day-break  to  tliink  of 
rest ;  but  1  shall  play  the  devil  with  Mr.  Caleb's  muttoa 
Lam. 

Caleb.  [Aside.']  Will  ye  ?  Then  ye  are  a  cleverer  fel- 
low than  I  tak'  ye  for,  my  man.  [Crossing  to  r.  and 
taking  the  lam])]  N\  eel,  weel,  your  honour  will  excuse 
all  deficiencies  o'  furniture  and  bedding,  for  wha  wad  hae 
thought  o'  the  secret  chaumer  being  needed?  It  has  never 
been  used  syne  tlie  time  o'  the  Gowrie  Conspiracy,  and  I 
durst  never  let  ony  o'  the  women  folk  ken  tlie  entrance  to 
it,  or  your  lionours  will  allow  it  wadna  l)ae  been  a  seciet 
chaumer  lang.  [Exeunt  Raveiiswood,  Buckiaw  and  Caleb, R. 

SND  OF  ACT  I. 


ACT  II. 

SCENE  l.—  The  Hall  in   Wolf's  Crag,  a  small  SiooL 
Thunder. 

Enter  Caleb,  r. 

Caleb.  Praise  be  blessed,  the  Master  is  nae  epicure,  and 
little  will  serve  him  ;  but,  as  for  Buckiaw,  guiie  save  us, 
but  he'd  eat  a  horse  ahint  the  saddle  :  he  has  clean  made 
an  end  o'  tlie  mutton  ham,  and,  in  a'  my  contrivances,  I 
canna  haud  it  out  abune  the  day. 

[A  loud  knocking  at  the  gate;  the  storm  continues. 

Sir  W.    [Without,  l.]    Holloa  ! 

Caleb.  Eh,  wha  hae  we  got  here  now  ?  [Looks  out  of 
ihe  ivindiju!.]  Mercy  on  us !  a  gentleman  and  a  leddy. 
What  sail  1  do  ?  I  darena  let  them  in.    [Knocking  continued. 

Enter  Ravenswood,  r. 

Jlr.v.  What  is  the  matter,  Caleb  ? 

Caleb.  Matter,  my  lord!  Here's  stranger  folk  at  the 
gate  ;  but  an  tliey  beat  it  down,  they'll  no  get  in  to  se9 
how  ill  we  are  provided. 

Rav.  Open  tne  gate  instantly,  and  admit  them. 

[Turns  up,  a. 

Caleb,  He's  daft — he's  cleaa  daft — to  think  o'  admit- 


SCBKB  I.J      TUE  BRIDE  OF  LAMMERMOOR  21 

ting  lords  and  leddies,  and  nae  sae  muckle  as  a  saut  her- 
ring in  a'  tlie  house,     Natheless,  he  maun  be  obeved. 

[Exit.  L. 
Re-enier  CALr.Ti,   l.,  sJwiving  in   S*//*  AVii.t.iam   Ashton 
and  Lucy  ;   Sii'  William  in  a  large  scarlet    clcak  and 
slouched  hat  ;  Lucy  in  a  riding  dress  and  mask. 

Sir  JV.  The  sudden  storm  has  separated  us  from  our 
attendants  at  the  hunt,  and  we  bej;  for  slielcer  till  it  is 
over. 

Caleb,  (c.)  Your  honours  are  right  welcome  to  Wolf's 
Crag.  But  1  crave  pardon,  for  tliat  a'  the  rest  o'  the 
people  are  gone  out  to  see  the  hunt. 

Rav.  [Coming  forirard,  R.]  Silence,  Balderstone ! 
Your  folly  is  unseasonable  1 

\_Str  William  and  Lucy  retire  a  little  up,  L. 

Caleb.  [Aside.]  He's  d.ift — clean  dafc  -red  wud  and  awa' 
wi'r.  But  deil  hae  Caleb  Balderstone,  if  the  credit  o'  tiie  fa- 
mily  shall  suffer,  though  he  were  as  mad  as  tlie  teven  wise 
masters.  Wi' your  honour's  permission,  I'll  serve  up  some 
slight  refection  for  the  young  leddy,  and  a  glass  o'  tokay, 
or  a  little  hot  whisky  toddy. 

Rav.  Truce  to  this  ill-timed  foolery,  and  interrupt  us 
no  more  with  your  absurdities. 

Caleb.  [Crossing  to  v..]  Your  honour's  pleasure  is  to  be 
obeyed  abune  a'  tilings  ;  natheless,  for  tlie  sack  and  tokay, 
whicti  it  is  not  your  noble  guests'  pleasure  to  accept • 

Rav.   Leave  the  room,  Caleb. 

Caleb.  Assuredly,  your  honour.  [E.cit,  R. 

[Sir  William,   c,  Lucy,  l.,  and  Ravenswoud,    r., 
come  forward. 

Sir  W.  This,  then,  is  the  ancient  castle  of  Wolf's 
Crag.  It  was,  as  I  have  heard,  one  of  the  earliest  posses- 
sions of  the  noble  family  of  llavenswood. 

Rav.  Ttieir  earliest,  and  probably  their  latest,  posses- 
sion. I  am  tlie  heir  of  that  unfoitunate  house  ;  and  now, 
methinks,  it  is  time  I  should  know  wiio  they  aie  who  have 
so  higiilv  honoured  my  poor  habitation  .'  [Sir  William 
uncovers  his  face  and  takes  off  tiis  hat  ;  Ravenswood  looks 
steadily  at  him.  A  short  pause.]  1  perceive  Sir  William 
Ashton  is  unwilling  to  announce  himself  ia  the  cattle  uf 
Wolf's  Crag. 

Sir  W.  1  had  hoped  it  was  unnecessary,  and  am  obliged 
to  you,  sir,  for  breaking  the  ice  at  once.     Lucy,  my  love. 


22  THB  BRIDE  OF  LAMMERMOOK.  [aCT  IJ. 

layasiile  your  veil,  and  let  us  express  our  gratitude  to  the 
Master,  openly  and  without  disguise. 

Lucy.  [Hesitatingly.']  If  he  will  condescend  to  accept 
our  acknowledgments.      [Crosses  to  him. 

Rav.  Miss  Ashton  will,  I  hope,  believe  me  sincere, 
when  I  declare  my  happiness  at  being  able  to  affoid  her 
the  shelter  of  this  roof.  [Salutes  her  respectfully.  A 
twine  as  nf  the  trampling  of  horses  tvithout. 

Sir  W.  Ravenswood,  there  is  no  time  for  explanation 
like  the  present.  At  any  price  I  must  purciiase  your 
friendship.  I  would  not  ostentatiously  declare  how  I  have 
already  served  you,  hut  had  it  not  been  for  me,  you  would 
now  have  been  a  prisoner  in  the  Castle  of  Edinburgh,  for 
your  share  in  the  riot  at  the  funeral  of  your  father.  That 
my  influence  crushed  the  proceedings  against  you,  let  these 
papers  be  my  evidence. 

[Ravensivo'/d  takes  the  packet,  reads,  and  appears 
much  agitated. 

hav.  Is  it  possible  ?  Can  I  have  been  bo  much  de- 
ceived ?  [After  an  effort,  takes  Sir  William  by  the 
hand.]  My  Lord  Keeper,  again  and  again  I  solicit  your 
pardon,  for  the  injustice  of  which  I  have  been  guilty.  I 
thought  you  my  bitterest  enemy,  when  I  was  receivins;  at 
your  hand  ti;e  benefit  of  protectioa  to  my  person  and  vin- 
dication to  my  character- 

Sir  IV.  Kow,  then,  we  understand  each  other ;  and 
from  this  moment  be  all  our  former  enmitv  forgotten. 

[Ravenswood  and  Sir  William  retire  up,  and  join 
Lucy. 

Enter  Caleb  from  the  gate,  l. 

Caleb.  I  hae  got  rid  o'  Bucklaw,  and  a'  the  hunting 
folk  ;  and  now  to  contrive  for  dinner.  Your  honours, 
nae  doubt,  are  weary  o*  waiting  for  refreshment,  but  it  will 
no  be  lang.  [Caleb  beckons  to  Ravenswood,  who  comes 
down  to  him,  i,.]  Tak'  them  up  to  the  tap  o'  the  tower, 
to  admire  the  view.  Do,  for  heaven's  sake,  sir,  while  I 
spread  tiie  table. 

Rav.  True,  Caleb  ;  we  must  not  let  our  guests  remain 
■without  refreshment ;  and  here,  take  my  purse  ;  I  believe 
that  will  prove  your  best  ally. 

[Caleb  is  on  the  point  of  taking  the  purse,  when  he 
catches  sight  of  Sir  William,  who  has  ad- 
vanced, h. 


SCENE  I.]       THE  BRIDE  OF  LAMMERMOOR.  23 

Caleb.  Purse !  purse,  indeed  1  What  suld  I  do  wi' 
your  lordship's  purse?  A'  is  providing  in  the  kitchen: 
but  tak'  awa'  the  guests  for  a  few  minutes. 

Rav.  I  believe,  Sir  William,  we  had  better  leave  Caleb 
to  prepare  the  poor  repast  he  l)as  to  ofl'er.  The  view  from 
the  tower  is  much  admired,  and,  as  the  s'orm  has  passed 
away,  if  Miss  Ashton  is  not  fatigued — \_Crosses  to  r. 

Lucy.   Not  in  the  least. 

Sir  W.   We  attend  you  wiliinsly. 

\Exeunt,  r    d.  f.,  Ravenawood  leading  Lucy. 

Caleb,  Heaven  be  praised  !  1  hae  got  rid  o'  tiiem.  I 
wad  like  to  hae  ta'en  his  honour's  purse  :  why  couldna' 
he  hae  slippit  it  gently  into  my  hand — but  afore  the  strange 
folk,  it  wasna  for  the  credit  o'  the  family.  But  how  to 
provide — what  sail  1  contrive  ?  This  is  the  sairest  push 
for  the  honour  o'  the  house  we  hae  had  yet.  Natheless, 
something  must  be — [.-It  tArs  motripiit  a  violent  clap  of 
thunder  ix  heard.  Cak'b  stands-  ayhaxt,  hut  recovers  him- 
self instantly,  with  a  strong  expression  nfjny  in  his  coun- 
tenance.'} Eh  1  Gude  save  us  I  The  thunner  !  The 
thunner  comes  to  hand  like  the  bowl  o'  a  pint  stoup. 
ICalling.']      Here,  Mysie  !  Mysie,  woman  I 

Enter  Mvsie,  in  hurry  and  alarm,  R. 

what  are  ye  sitting  greeting  in  the  chimney-nuik  for.* 
C(  m*  here — or  stay — stay  where  ye  are,  and  skirl  as  loud 
as  ye  can.  \^Mysie  screams,  as  desired.]  It's  a'  ye'r 
guid  for  ;  I  say,  ye  auld  deevil,  skirl — skirl — louder^ 
louder,  woman  ;  gar  the  gentles  hear  ye  at  the  tap  o'  the 
tower,  I've  heard  ye  as  far  aff  as  the  Bass  for  a  less  mat- 
ter—  [Mysie  screams  again  and  agai7i'] — and  stay — down 
wi'  that  crockery. 

\Caleb  goes  off  at  tlie  side,  throivs  down  the  croc- 
kery, and  returns,  n. 

Mysie.  Mercy  save  us  !  The  auld  man's  gaen  wud  I 
He  has  dang  down  a'  the  bits  o'  pigs — the  only  things  we 
ha<l  to  baud  a  soup  milk 

Caleb-  Haud  your  tongue,  ye  auld  deevil — a's  provided 
now — dinner,  and  a'thing — the  thunner's  done  it  a'  in  the 
clap  o'  a  hand. 

Mysie.  Puir  man  1  He's  muckle  astray  !  I  wish  ha 
mav  ever  come  hame  to  hinisel'  again. 

Caleb.  Here,  ye  auld  doited  deevil — swear  the  thunner 
came  down  the  chimney  and  spoiled  the  best  dinner  y« 
ever     dressed.        Beef — bacon — kid — lark — leveret — wild 


24  THE  BRIDE  OF  LAMMEUMOOll  [aCT  II. 

fowl— venison,  and  what  not — lay  it  on  thick,  and  never 
mind  expenses.  Get  awa'  and  skirl.  \_P ashes  Mynie  out, 
It.,  who  reneivs  her  screaming  as  she  goes  off-]  Wuil  a 
wins  !  wull  a  wins  !  sic  a  iiii.-<[(ii'luiie  to  betV  llie  house  o' 
Ilavenswood,  and  I  live  to  see  it. 

Re-enter  Ravenswood,     Sir  William    Ashton,    and 
Lucy,  hurriedly,  ii.  d.  f. 

Rav.  "What  is  the  matter,  Caleb?  Has  any  part  of  the 
castle  fallen  .' 

Caleb,  Castle  fa'en  ?  Na  !  but  the  sute's  fa'en,  and  tlie 
thuiiner's  come  rigiit  down  the  kitctien  lum.  and  the  tilings 
are  a'  lyin?  iiere  awa'  ttiere  awa',  like  the  Laird  o'  Hotcii- 
potch's  lands  !  and  wi'  brave  guests  o'  honour  and  quality 
to  entertain  ! 

Rav.  Keep  your  intolerable  nonsense  to  yourself,  you 
old  fool. 

Caleb.  [Apart  to  Ravenswood.]  Haud  your  tongue,  for 
heaven's  sake,  sir  I  If  it's  my  pleasure  to  hazard  my  saul 
in  telling  lies  for  the  honour  o'  th»  family,  it's  nae  busi- 
ness  o'  yours — and  if  ye  let  me  ijang  on  quietly,  I'll  be 
moderate  in  my  banquet  ;  but  if  ye  contradict  me,  de'il 
hae  me,  but  I'll  diess  ye  a  dinner  fit  for  a  duke.  [72a- 
veusivood  retires.  Caleb,  crossing  to  Sir  William.']  Nae 
muckle  provision — mi^ht  hae  served  four  persons  o'  qua- 
lity :  first  course — capons  in  white  broth  —  roast  kid — ba- 
con wi'  reverence  ;  second  course — roasted  leveret — butter 
crabs — a  veal  florentine  ;  third  course  — black  cock—  (it's 
black  eiieugh  now  wi'  the  sute) — plumdamas— a  tart — a 
flam — and  some  nonsense  comfits  and  sweet  things,  and 
that's  a'— that's  just  a'  was  o't — forbye  the  apples  and 
pears.  [l^iey  all  laugh.]  The  de'il  's  in  tlie  gentles. 
Tlie  loss  o'  the  best  dinner  that  cook  ever  put  fingers  to, 
makes  them  as  merry  as  if  it  was  the  best  jest  in  a'  George 
Buchanan  I  If  tliere  was  as  little  in  your  honours'  weains 
as  in  Caleb  Balderstone's,  less  cackling  wad  serve  ye  on 
sic  a  giavaininous  suliject.  [Aside.]  A  description  o'  a 
dinner  that  w^d  hae  made  a  fu'  maa  hungry,  and  them  to 
Stand  there  laughing  at  it. 

Sir  W.  [Crossing  to  Caleb.]  Mr.  Butler,  we  are  heartily 
sorry  for  the  misfortune  that  has  befallen  your  dinner; 
but  as  your  master  is  going  with  me  to  Ravenswood 
Castle 

Caleb.  Ga'ir/  to  Ravenswood  Castle  I  [Goes  up,  ana 
comes  down,  u. 


SCENE  I.J        TUB  BRIDE  OF  LAMMERMOOB.  25 

Sir  W.  Do  me  the  favour  to  accept  this  for  the  trouble 
we  have  given  you.  [Gives  him  nionei/.']  FJavenswood, 
as  the  day  is  now  tine,  we  had  better  sec  imt  iiinnediatKly. 

[Calfb  retires  tip. 

Rav.  I'll  attend  your  lordship.  I  have  a  few  words  to 
say  to  Caleb,  and  then 

Sir  W.  We'll  wait  for  you  at  the  gate.  ^ly  people,  I 
§ee,  have  airived,  and  have  b .ought  our  horses. 

[Exeunt  Sir  William,  leading  Lucy,  \..  ;  Ravens- 
wood  crusnes  to  L..  gazing  nfter  her.  Caleb  ad- 
vances to  him,  and  gently  touches  his  elbow. 

Caleb.  Gii'm'  to  Ravenswood  Castle  .'  Tne  mercy  o' 
heaven  foibiil  ! 

Rav.    And  why    Caleb? 

Caleb.  On,  sir  !  Oh.  Mr.  Edgar  !  that  is,  my  lord  !  I 
am  your  servant,  and  it  ill  becomes  me  to  speak  ;  but  I'm 
an  auld  servant,  and  your  ain  cnnscieaee  tells  you  it  isna' 
for  your  father's  son  to  be  neisilioouring  wi'  the  like  o' 
him.  It  isna'  for  the  credit  o'  the  family  :  aa  ye  were 
ance  to  come  to  terms  and  get  back  your  ain,  I  wadiia  say 
nay,  for  the  young  ieddy  is  a  winsome  sweet  creature. 

Rav.  Now,  Caleb,  you  go  farther  than  I  do  ;  you  are 
for  marrying  me  into  a  family  you  will  not  even  allow  me 
to  visit,  and  you  look  as  ptile  as  death  besides, 

Caleb.  Aweel  !  I  wad  ye  wad  let  the  strangers  ride  to 
Ravenswood  alone  ;  but  since  it  caiina  be — there,  there's 
three  gowd  pieces  ;   and  ye'll  want  siller  up  bye,  yonder. 

Rav.  You  foiget,  Caleb,  I  have  gold  of  my  own.  Keep 
them  to  yourself;   and,  once  more,  good  diy  to  you. 

Caleb.  [Holding  him.]  And  you  will  go,  then  ?  And 
you  will  go,  for  all  1  have  said  to  you  ?  Aweel !  a  wilful 
man  maun  hae  his  way.  He  that  will  to  Cupar,  maun  to 
Cupar.  But  pity  o'  your  life,  sir,  if  ye  be  fowling  or 
shooting  in  the  park,  beware  o'  drinking  at  the  Mer- 
maidea's  Well.     Remember  the  prediction  o'  your  house  1 

When  the  last  Lord  of  Ravenswood  to  Ravenswood  shall  ride. 

And  woo  a  dead  inuideti  to  be  his  bride  ; 

In  the  halls  ut°  his  father  his  Dlood  shall  flow, 

Aud  his  uame  shall  be  lost  fur  evermoe  !' 

[Exit  Ravenswood,  v. 
He's  gaen  1  He's  doun  the  path,  arrow-flight,  after  her  I 
The  head's  as  clean  ta'en  aff  the  Ravenswood  family  this 
day,  as  I  wad  chsp  the  head  aff  a  sybo.  Close  to  her 
bridal-rein — close  to  her  bridal-rein.  And  yet,  without 
this  lass,  would  not  our  ruin  have  been  aItogetb<sr  fulfilled  ! 
c  {.Exit,  t. 


26  THE  BRIDE  OF  LAMMBRMOOR.       [aCT  II. 

SCENE  U.—TAe  Mermaiden's  Well,  as  in  Act  I. 
Enter  Henry  Ashton  and  Lccy,  r.  u.  e. 

Lucy.  NaVi  Henry,  why  are  you  so  impatient  ?  You 
■will  lose  but  a  few  minutes'  sport  by  waiting  till  the  Master 
joins  us. 

Henry.  But  I  tell  you,  Lucy,  I  am  to  go  to  the  ring, 
walk  with  Norman,  and  I  shall  be  too  late.  I  would  not 
stay  away  for  a  gold  jacobus  ;  but  hf  re  comes  Ravenswood, 
so  you  must  take  his  arm  back  to  the  castle. 

{^Exil,  running!,  l. 

Enter  Ravenswood,  r.  v.  e.,  and  comes  down  a.  of  Lucy, 

Lucy.  My  madcap  brother  has  left  me  alone.  Nothing 
has  charms  for  him  beyond  a  minute. 

Rav.  Miss  Ashton,  do  you  not  admire  the  wild  beauty 
of  this  spot  ? 

Lucy.  I  have  always  been  fond  of  wandering  here ;  and 
the  more  so,  because  it  is,  as  1  have  heard,  a  spot  coa> 
nected  with  the  legendary  lore  1  love  so  well. 

llav.  It  has  been  thought  a  place  fatal  to  our  family, 
and  1  have  some  reason  to  term  it  so.  It  was  here  I  first 
saw  Miss  Ashton,  and  here  1  must  take  my  leave  of  her 
for  ever  I 

Lucy.  Take  leave  of  us  !  What  can  have  happened  to 
hurry  you  away?  My  father  is  powerful;  wait  till  you 
see  what  his  gratitude  will  do  for  you. 

Rav.  It  is  not  to  your  father.  Miss  Ashton,  but  to  ray 
own  exertions  that  I  ought  to  owe  success  in  the  career  on 
which  1  am  about  to  enter.  \Lucy  turns  away  to  conceal 
her  emotion  ;  Ravenswood  takes  her  by  the  hand.^  Forgive 
my  rudeness  — I  am  too  rough,  too  intractable,  to  deal  with 
any  being  so  soft  and  gentle  as  you  are.  Forget  that  so 
stern  a  vision  has  crossed  your  path  of  life,  and  let  me 
pursue  mine,  sure  that  I  can  meet  no  worse  misfortune 
after  the  moment  that  divides  me  from  your  side. 

Lucy.  [Slriigg/iny  to  conceal  her  emotioti.]  Yet  stay  to 
take  leave  of  my  father.  Surely  the  delay  of  a  few  hours— 
I  was  unprepared  for  the  surprise,  and 

Rav.  Lucy,  your  trembling  hand,  your  rising  tears, 
excite  a  liope  'tis  madness  to  indulge,  and  worse  than  mad- 
ness to  resign/!  Hear  me — forgive  me  !  and,  in  one  word, 
decide  my  fate.  One  word  from  you  for  ever  blends  our 
destiny,  or  sends  me  through  the  world  the  Tictim  of  a 


8CSNbii.}the  bride  of  lammrrmoor.  27 

rash  and  hopeless  passion.    Speak,  I  implore  you  1  there's 
life  or  death  upon  your  answer. 

\_Kiieelmg,  and  talcing  her  hand, 

Lucy.  Rise,  I  entreat — your  vioience  terrifies  and  grieves 
me.  Kavenswood,  you  are  the  preserver  of  my  life:  you 
have  a  claim  upon  my  graiiiude,  my  afTectiou,  which  my 
heart  will  never  refuse  to  ratify. 

i2i2i;.  [Rising,  and  embraciitg  her."]  Transporting  sound  I 
Here,  then,  receive  my  vow  of  sole  and  undivided  love — 
for  ever  1  am  yours  ;  and  may  that  Power  which  witnesses, 
approve  the  solemn  compact  I  But  now  'tis  fit  1  should 
inform  Sir  William.  Raveiiswood  must  not  seem  to  dwell 
Mnder  his  roof,  to  solicit,  ciaudestinely,  the  afTections  of 
his  daughter. 

Lucy.  You  would  not  speak  to  my  father  yet?  Oh.  do 
not,  do  not!  I  am  sure  he  loves  you -I  am  sure  he  will 
consent;  but  my  mother— alas!   I  fear  my  mother 

Rav.  Your  mother,  my  Lucy  1  What  could  she  object 
to  the  alliance  ? 

Lucy.  I  did  not  say  object;  but  she  is  jealous  of  her 
rights,  and  may  claim  a  mother's  title  to  be  consulted. 

Rav.  Be  it  so.     We  will  wait  her  arrival. 

Lucy.  But  were  it  not  better  to  wait  a  few  weeks  ?  Were 
my  mother  to  see  you — to  know  you — I  am  sure  she  would 
approve ;  but  you  are  personally  unacquainted ;  and  the 
ancient  feud  between  the  families 

Rav.  Lucy,  I  have  sacrificed  for  your  love,  projects  of 
vengeance  long  nursed,  and  sworn  to  with  ceremonies  little 
better  than  heathen.  On  the  evening  wliich  succeeded  my 
poor  father's  funeral,  I  cut  a  lock  from  my  hair,  and,  as  it 
consumed  in  the  flames,  I  swore  that  my  rage  and  revenge 
should  pursue  his  enemies,  till  they  shrivelled  before  me 
like  that  scorched-up  symbol  of  annihilation  1 

Lucy.  And  why  do  you  now  recall  sentiments  so  terrible  ? 
Bind  me  by  what  vows  you  please.  If  vows  are  unneces- 
sary to  secure  constancy,  they  may  yet  prevent  suspicion. 

Rav.  Lucy,  forgive  me.  I  will  not,  by  the  slightest 
breath  of  doubt,  imply  suspicion,  which  my  breast  can 
never  know.  [Breaks  a  piece  of  gold,  and  presents  her 
half.]  Let  this  be  the  mutual  emblem  of  our  love.  I 
place  it  next  my  heart;  and  never  shall  it  quit  that  place 
till  you  demand  it.  [Placing  it  wilhin  his  bosom. 

Lucy.  And  never  shall  this  leave  my  bosom  until  you, 
Edgar  Ravenswood,  ask  me  to  resign  it  to  you ;  and,  while 
c2 


28  THE  BKIDB  OF  LAMMERMOOR.       [aCT  II. 

I  wear  it,  never  shall  that  heart  acknowledge  any  other  love 
than  yours.      [Placinff  in  her  boxom  th^  piece  Ravenswood 

has  handed  to  her,  she  throws  herxelf  into  his  arms. 

As  they  are  about  to  seat  themselves  near  the  well, 

a  raven  falls  from  a  tree  at  their  feet,  pierced  by  an 

arrow. 
Rav.  A  raven  1  an  evil  omen. 

Enter  Henry  Ashton,  hastily,  with  a  cross-bow,  LocK< 
HART,  and  several  Domestics,  l, 

Henry.  'Twas  I  that  shot  him — I  knew  'twould  startle 
you. 

Rav.  Indeed,  Master  Henry :  do  you  not  know  that  all 
the  ravens  are  under  the  protection  of  the  Lords  of  Kavens- 
nood  ;  and  to  shoot  one  in  their  presence  is  an  evil  omen  ? 

Henry.  That's  what  Norman  told  uie.  I  can't  heip  it 
now.  Why,  Lucy,  what  have  you  snd  the  Mnster  to  say 
to  each  other,  that  you  loiier  so  Ion;;  ?  All  the  servants 
ate  seeking  you.  My  mother  has  suditenly  arrived,  and  uxj 
brottier  ;  and  all's  in  a  bustle  and  uprour. 

Lucy.  My  mother  arrived  so  unexpectedly? 

Lock.  \es,  madam  ;  my  lady  and  the  colonel.  Sir 
William  is  alarmed  at  your  long  absence  ;  and  has  sent  us 
to  search  for  you. 

Lucy.  Good  Lockhart,  I  am  glad  you  have  found  us. 
We  will  follow  you  with  all  speed  to  the  castle. 

\_Exeunt  Lockhart  and  the  Domestics,  L. 

Rav.  Now,  Lucy.  1  fear  your  trials  will  begin. 

Lucy.  Ravenswood,  once  more  hear  me  repeat  my  reso- 
lution. Though  1  will  never  wed  man  without  the  consent 
of  my  parents,  neither  force  nor  persuasion  shall  dispose  of 
my  hand  till  you  renounce  the  right  I  have  freely  given  yoB 
to  call  it  yours  alone.  lExeunt,  l. 

SCENE  in. — An  Apartment  in  Ravenswood  Castle. 
Enter  Lady  Ashton,  followed  by  Sir  William. 

Sir  W.  Nay,  my  dear  Eleanor,  listen  to  reason  for  a 
moment.  Why  is  it  that,  on  your  return  from  so  long  an 
absence,  you  assail  me  with  reproaches,  counteract  all  my 
plans,  and  rudely  dismiss  from  my  house  a  guest  whom  I 
had  invited  ?  Surely  a  connexion  which  would  end  for 
CTer  the  family  feuds 

Lady  A.  Never — though  the  loss  of  rank  and  power 


8CENE  IV.]  TUB  BRIOB  OF  LAMMERMOOR.  29 

were  certain — never  shall  these  feuds  be  ended  by  such  a 
marriage.  You  are  aware  I  have  already  received  and 
accepted  the  most  flattering  proposals  from  Mr.  Hayscon 
of  Bucklaw:  1  expect  liim  every  hour,  lie  lias  tlie  first 
estate  and  influence  in  the  country  ;  and  against  this  uiatch 
what  reasonable  objection  can  you  urge  ? 

Sir  W.  None,  but  her  own  repugnance.  If  Lucy  freely 
consent  to  receive  the  addresses  of  Bucklaw,  my  wishes 
will  accord  with  yours.  But  if  her  heart  remain  with 
Ravenswood,  her  hand  shall  not  be  forced  upon  auutiier. 

Lady  A.  She  already  repents  of  the  engagement  into 
whicn  she  has  been  trepanned.  I  have  a.  motuer's  authority 
to  annul  it,  and  fear  nut  to  obtain  her  ready  compliauce. 

Enter  a  Servant,  t. 

Serv.  Mr.  Hayston  of  Bucklaw  is  arrived,  my  lady. 

Lady  A.  I  rejoice  to  hear  it,  and  will  wait  on  him  imme> 
diately.  lExit  Servant,  l,]  And  now.  Sir  William,  let  us 
prepare  Lucy  for  tlie  interview.  She  is  acquainted  with 
this  proposal ;  and  when  she  finds  it  warmly  sanctioned  by 
her  parents,  she  will,  1  trust,  at  once  abandon  every  thought 
disgraceful  to  her  birth,  and  yield  her  happiness  to  our 
disposal.  l£j:eunt,  l. 

SCENE  IV. — Another  Apartment  in  the  Cattle. — Four 
Chairs,  6{c.,  R.  and  l. 

A  Servant  showt  in  Bucklaw  and  Cbaigengelt,  l.,  and 
exit,  R. 

Craig.  May  I  be  double  distanced,  if  ever  I  saw  a  man  in 
my  life  have  less  the  air  of  a  bridegroom  !  Cut  me  out  of 
feather,  if  you  don't  look  as  if  you  were  coudemued  to  be 
banged  1 

Buck.  Why,  Craigie,  1  never  spoke  ten  words  to  a 
woman  of  rank  in  my  life.  The  chance  is,  I  shall  make 
but  a  bungling  business  of  this. 

Craig.  Why,  you  were  bold  enough  the  day  you  met  her 
at  the  hunt. 

Buck,  Av,  ay,  because  she  had  a  mask  on,  and  I  was 
at  home  there — I  was  in  my  element.  If  she  would  talk 
about  hunting,  I  should  get  on  ;  but  the  chance  is,  I  shall 
scarcely  stammer  through  half  a  sentence  in  the  regular  way. 

Craig,  (l.)    Never  fear!     Muster  up  your  courage,— 
■peak  boldlv,  and  the  prise  is  won. 
C3 


30  THE  BRIDE  OF  LAMKERMOOR.       [aCT  II. 

Enter  Lady  Ashton  and  Lucy,  r.  Lucy  is  extremely 
pale,  and  appeam  to  pay  little  attention  to  the  passing 
scene,  ax  if  almost  unconscious  of  the  conversation. 

Lady  A.  My  dear  Bncklaw,  you  are  t'niioe  welcome  to 
Ravenswood  Castle.  Captain  Craigengelt,  your  servant. 
[Bucilaw  and  Craiyengelt  bow.l  Lucy  is  acquainted  witU 
the  purpose  of  your  visit,  and  ready  to  hear  yuu  on  a  sub- 
ject equally  interesting  to  us  all  ;  but,  as  she  is  very 
young,  and  has  lately  been  trepanned  into  an  engagement 
of  which  she  is  now  heartily  ashamed,  you  will.  I  know, 
excuse  her  wish  that  I  should  be  present  at  the  interview. 

Buck.  That's  the  very  thing,  madam — I  should  have 
desired  it  on  my  own  account ;  for  I  have  been  so  little 
accustomed  to  gallantry,  t  fear  I  shall  make  some  cursed 
mistake.  Craigie,  we  can  dispense  with  your  company. 
[^Craiyengelt  bows  obsequiously,  and  exit,  R.  Bncklaw 
hands  chairs  to  the  ladies — seats  himself,  L.,  at  a  distance 
from  them  ;  and,  after  several  efforts,  addresses  Lucy.'\ 
You  see,  Miss  Ashton,  I  am  come  to — to  explain — that  is, 
just  to  say — your  mother  her  ladyship — I  say — sensible 
of  your  charms  and  accomplishments — I  mean,  I  aon  sen- 
sible— very  sensible — but,  somehow,  not  being  accustomed 
to  talk  to  young  ladies — I  fear  I  don't  make  myself  uu- 
derstood. 

Lady  A.  Lucy,  my  loTe,  you  hear  what  Bucklaw  is 
Baying  ? 

Lucy.  Yes,  madam — no,  madam — I  beg  pardon — I  did 
not  hear. 

Lady  A.  You  needn't  blush,  my  love ;  and  still  less  need 
you  look  so  alarmed. 

Buck.  I  believe  I  am  a  fool,  Miss  Ashton.  I  hare  tried 
to  speak  to  you  as  people  tell  me  young  ladies  like  to  be 
talked  to  ;  and  I  don't  think  you  comprehend  what  I  have 
been  saying. —  {Aside.'\  And  no  wonder,  for  curse  me  if  I 
understand  it  myself. — But,  however,  once  for  alt,  if  you 
can  take  a  plain  young  fellow  for  your  husband,  I  will  place 
you  at  the  head  of  the  first  establishment  in  the  three  Lo- 
thians  :  you  shall  have  the  best  lodging  in  the  Canongate 
of  Edinburgh,  go  where  you  please,  do  what  you  please, 
see  what  you  please — and  that's  fair.  Since  1  have  mustered 
up  courage  to  make  a  plain  pro)>osal,  1  would  fain  hear 
Miss  Ashton,  from  her  own  lips,  give  me  a  plain  answer. 

Lady  A.  My  dear  Bucklaw,  let  me  spare  Lucy's  bash- 
fulaesss.     She  has  consented  to  be  guided  bj  her  father 


ICBNBIT.]  THE  BRIDB  OF  liAMMRRMOOR.  3) 

and  me  in  this  matter.  Lucy,  my  love,  speak  for  yourself: 
is  it  not  as  1  say  ? 

Lucy.  I  h.  ve  promised  to  obey  you,  madam  ;  but  upon 
one  ciiiidition. 

Lady  A.  She  means  that  she  has  written  to  Ravenswood, 
•nri  expects  ail  answer  :   the  restitution  of  tlie  eugagemeut 
into  winch  he  had  the  art  to  involve  her. 
Buck.   Perfectly  right !   quite  fair  I — 

'  It  is  besi  10  be  olf  with  the  old  love, 
Brt'ore  you  be  on  witfi  the  new.' 

But  I  thought  you  might  have  had  an  answer  six  times 
told  before  now.  I  have  a  great  mind  to  go  and  fetch  one 
myself,  if  Miss  Ashton  will  honour  me  with  the  commission. 

Lady  A.  By  no  means.  My  son,  Colonel  Ashton,  is 
equally  anxious  ;  and  do  you  tiiink  we  could  permit  either, 
when  both  are  so  dear  to  us,  to  go  to  a  desperate  roan  oa 
a  desperate  errand  ?  In  fact,  we  are  all  of  opinion  that, 
as  no  answer  has  been  returned,  silence  must  in  this,  as  in 
other  cases,  be  supposed  to  give  consent ;  and  a  contract 
abandoned,  when  a  parry  waives  insistini;  upon  it. 

Lucy.  [^Riaing .'\  Madam,  1  entreat  you  to  urge  me  no 
furthi-r.  1  feel  conscious  heaven  and  earth  have  set 
themselves  against  my  union  witn  Uavenswood  ;  but,  till 
this  unhappy  engagement  be  restored,  I  should  commit  a 
heavy  sill  in  donig  wnat  you  require.  Let  me  be  once 
assured  that  he  wishes  to  set  me  free,  and  then  dispose  of 
me  as  you  please.  I  care  not  how — when  the  jewels  arc 
gone,  what  signifies  the  casket .' 

Lady  A.  But.  my  love,  if  he  remains  obstinately  silent? 

Lucy.  He  will  not  be  silent.  Unknown  to  you,  1  have 
sent  him  a  double  of  my  former  letter  by  a  certain  hand. 

Lady  A.  You  have  not — you  could  not — you  durst  not ! 
[Suddenly  checking  her  anger.}  My  dearest  Lucy,  how 
could  you  think  of  such  a  thing  ? 

Buck.  No  matter  I  I  respect  Miss  Ashton  forhersenti- 
ments ;  and  I  only  wish  I  had  been  her  messenger  myself. 

Lady  A.  [Ironically. "}  And.  pray,  how  long  are  we  to 
wait  for  the  return  of  your  Pacolet — your  fairy  messenger  ? 

Lucy.  1  have  numbered  weeks,  days,  hours,  and  minutes: 
wiihiii  a  week  I  shall  have  an  answer,  unless  he  be  dead. 
'Jill  that  time,  sir,  let  roe  be  thus  far  beholden  to  you.  that 
you  will  beg  my  mother  to  forbear  me  on  this  subject. 

Buck.  [Crossing  to  c]  I  will  make  it  r/iy  particular  en- 
tr  aty  to  Lady  Ashton,  madam.  Miss  Lucy  must  not  be 
hurried,  my  lady — messeDgcri  may  be  delayed.     I  have 


32  THB  BRIDB  OF  LAMSIBRMOOR.       [aCT  II. 

known  a  day's  journey  broke  by  the  casting  of  a  fore-shoe. 
'I'o  be  sure,  by  the  time  she  mentions,  1  ought  to  be  at 
C'Hveitnn  Edge,  to  see  the  match  between  tlie  Laird  of 
Kitilfgirtii's  biaek  mare  and  Johnson's,  tlie  meal-monger, 
four-year-old  coit ;  but  Craigie  can  britig  u.e  word  iiow 
the  match  goes — so  that's  ail  settled.  In  tlie  meantime,  I 
sliail  not  distress  Miss  Ashton  myself;  and  I  hope  you  and 
Sir  William  will  leave  her  ec^ually  at  liberty  to  make  up 
her  mind. 

Lucy.  Sir,  you  are  generou 

Buck.  Ks,  i^it  that,  madam,  I  oniy  pretend  to  be  a  p  a.n, 
good-humoured  young  fellow,  as  I  said  before,  who  would 
willingly  make  you  happy,  if  you  will  permit  iiim,  and  show 
b  m  huw  to  do  so. 

Lady  A.  My  daughter,  Bucklaw,  does  full  justice  to  the 
sincerity  of  your  attachment.  And  now  we  had  better 
confer  with  Sir  William  oa  the  subject:  he  expects  us  in 
the  library. 

Buck.  I  attend  him,  madam.  [Crossing  to  r.]  Miss 
Lucy,  I  take  my  leave.  By  my  honour,  1  respect  your 
sentiments  ;  and,  though  the  prosecution  of  this  affair  be 
rendered  dearer  to  me  than  before,  yet,  as  1  am  a  gentleman, 
1  would  renounce  it  for  ever,  were  it  so  urged  as  to  give 
you  a  moment's  pain.  \_Exit,  r. 

Lady  A.  [Crossing  to  r]  Lucy,  you  liave  asked  and 
obtained  your  own  time  ; — the  honour  of  the  family  is  now 
compromised.  When  eight  days  shall  have  elapsed,  we 
conclude  you  will  end  this  suspense,  and  be  ready,  with  a 
cheerful  heart,  to  sign  and  seal,  [Exit,  r. 

Lucy.  To  sign  and  seal  1  To  do  and  die  !  [Clasps  her 
hands  in  agony,  and  sinks  into  a  chair.  After  a  pause.] 
It  is  decreed  tnat  every  living  creature,  even  those  who  owe 
me  most  kindness,  are  to  shun  me,  and  leave  me  to  en- 
counter the  difficulties  by  which  I  am  beset.  It  is  just  I 
should  be  thus.  Alone  and  uncounselled  1  involved  myself 
in  these  perils.  Alone  and  uacouaselled  I  must  extricate 
myself,  or  die.  [Exit,  r. 

SCENE  N.—The  Wolfs  Crag. 
Enter  Caleb  with  a  letter,  followed  by  a  Messenger,  l. 
Caleb.  Gude  save  us  !     Wha  wad  hae  thousht  o'  sic  an 
event  }     Tne    Marquis    o'  Athol,    and    a'  his  attendanti, 
coming  to  Wolf's  Crag! 

Mest.  It  is  as  I  tell  jou,  Mr.  Balderstone.     His  lord* 


ICBNB  T.J     THE  BRIDB  OF  LAMMERMOOR.  33 

ship  will  be  here  within  an  hour.  The  blaster  has  ap. 
pointed  to  meet  him,  and  they  bare  business  of  the  labt 
iuipiirtance  to  secile. 

Caleb.  And  tiie  Master  coming  too.  He  hasna  been  at 
liame  lur  nioriy  a  laiig  d;iy,  man's  the  pity  ;  and  right  joy- 
fu'  nill  auld  Caleb  be  to  see  liis  honour  back  again. 
[Antde.']  Wna  wad  hae  thoclit  o'  sic  an  event!  I'm  a'  in 
a  botheration  ;  natheless.  for  the  credit  o'  the  house,  I 
maun  receive  them  as  befitting.  But  how  sail  I  get  rid  o' 
the  stranger  ?  He  mauna  see  our  siiifts.  Friend,  Icon- 
elude  ye  wad  hae  nae  objection  till  refresh  after  your  jour- 
ney, and,  praise  be  blessed,  ye  are  come  into  a  laud  o' 
plenty. 

Mess.  I  thank  ye,  Mr.  Caleb,  I  am  rather  thirsty  with 
bard  riding,  and 

Caleb.  I'hen  I  wadna  recommend  ale  or  brandy,  but  just 
a  glass  o'  cauld  water  after  a  lang  ride — ii's  mair  wliole- 
soiiie  to  tiie  stomach.  Natheless,  ye  sail  hae  what  ye  like, 
and.  while  I  prepare  your  repast,  I'se  tell  ye  what  ye  do- 
gang  your  ways  up  to  the  tap  o'  the  tower,  and  skirl  to 
me  when  ye  see  the  cavalcade  approacliing,  I'll  awa  and 
get  a'  the  lads  in  their  new  liveries.  Tiiis  way,  this  way — 
and  mind  ye  dinna  break  your  neck,  for  the  steps  are  a 
leetie  out  o'  repair.  Confound  the  lazy  sclater  loons  o' 
masons,  they  were  to  hae  been  here  a  week  syne.  \_Gett 
him  off  at  a  door  in  r.,  supposed  to  lead  up  to  the  top  of 
the  castle.  As  soon  as  he  is  out,  Caleb  locks  the  door  and 
puts  the  key  in  his  pocket.]  Eh,  my  moii,  I  hae  disposed 
o'  vou — an  ye  bellow  tiil  ye  burst,  ye'll  nae  get  out,  till  I 
hae  contrived  something  to  save  the  honour  o'  the  family. 
[CaW««y.]  Mjsie — Mysie,  woman  1 

Enter  Mysie,  r. 

Mysie.  What's  the  matter  now  ? 

Caleb.  Eneugh's  the  matter.  Here's  the  Master  and 
his  noble  kinsman,  the  Marquis  o'  Athol,  expeciit  in  an 
hour,  wi'  a  tribe  o'  flunkies  as  lang  as  Kirka'dy,  and  de'il 
a  morsel  to  eat,  or  a  drap  to  drink,  nor  sae  muckle  as  a 
plack  or  a  bawbee  to  buy  a  bannock  wi'  I  What  sail  we 
do — how  sail  we  contrive?  Eh,  ?ude  save  us,  woman,  we 
had  e'en  better  set  fire  to  the  auld  tower  at  ance,  and  bura 
the  remnants  o'  furniture  a'  thegither.  It's  mair  for  our 
credit  tlian  to  let  them  ken  we  are  in  poverty. 

Mysie.  Mercy  on  us,  Caleb,  dinna  stand  there  shaking 
your  lugs,  but  gang  your  ways  dowa  to  the  village,  aud  tr/ 


S4  THB  BRIDB  07  LAMMBRMOOR.  t'*'^''''  *'* 

wTiether  ye  canna  get  onything  from  the  folk,  in  the  way 
o'  borrowing. 

Caieb.  Ell !  There's  Epnie  Sma'trash  maybe  will  trust 
us  for  ale  ;  she  has  lived  a'  her  lite  under  the  family — and 
maybe  w»'  a  sup  brandy — 1  canna  say  for  wine,  for  she  is 
but  a  lone  woman,  and  gets  it  by  a  runlet  at  a  time.  But 
I'll  worn  a  wee  drap  out  o'  her  by  fair  means  or  foul. 

Mysie.  Tnere's  a  braw  christening  going  on  at  Gibbie 
Girder's,  the  cooper,  and  I  warrant  store  o'  provision  ; 
and  ye  ken,  Caleb,  auld  Dame  Lightbody  and  ye  war 
always  inclmed  till  each  other. 

Caleb.  En,  woman  !  but  ye  are  a  braw  lassie  and  hae 
saved  me  from  sair  dismay.  I  didna  think  ye  had  sae 
muckle  rumle^umption.  The  de'il's  in  tiie  peddling  tub- 
coopering  carles;  it's  a  shame  to  st-e  the  like  o'  them 
gusting  their  gabs  at  sic  a  rate.  If  some  o'  that  gnde 
cheer  doesn't  find  its  way  to  Wolf's  Crag  this  night,  my 
name  is  not  Caleb  Ralderstone.  Gang  your  ways,  Mysie, 
■we'll  roak'  snift — we'll  mak'  shift — keep  your  heart  abune, 
for  the  noble  house  o'  Ravenswood  siiail  hand  its  credit  as 
lang  as  Caleb  is  to  the  foie— though  he  suld  beg,  borrow, 
steal,  and  lie,  to  the  end  of  tiie  eiinpter. 

[_^Exeuut  Mi/sie,  R.  ;   Caleb,  l. 

SCENE  Y\.—The  imide  of  Girder's  Cottage.  A  large 
kitchen  fireplace  with,  two  spits,  turned  by  a  Boy, 
On  one  spit  a  quarter  of  mutton,  on  the  other  a  goose 
and  a  brace  of  vjtld  ducks.  In  another  part  of  the  room, 
a  table  spread  for  dinner.   Three  stools.  A  door,  L.  s.  e. 

Dame  Lightbody,  l.  and  MARIo^•,  r.  discovered. 

Dame.  I  tell  ye,  Marion,  I  heard  the  story  from  auld 
Ailsie  (Jourlay,  and  nae  ane  can  doubt  the  truth  on't.  The 
Ma>ter  o'  Ravenswood  saw  tlie  ghaist  o'  Alice  Gray  sitting 
by  the  well,  as  he  was  riding  alang  through  the  forest.  He 
thocht  it  was  the  auld  woman  hersel',  bat,  oa  going  to 
ber  cottage,  found  she  was  just  dead. 

Mar.  1  dinna  doubt  the  fact  at  a',  mither.  But  what 
are  we  to  think  o'  it  all  .* 

Dame.  Nae  gude,  cnild,  I'll  warrant  But  now,  as  I 
passed  through  tne  village,  tiiere  was  a  braw  young  mon  o* 
horseback,  asking  the  way  to  Wolf's  Crag,  and  1  lieard 
him  say,  my  Lord  the  Marquis  o'Athol  was  coming  alang 
wi'  the  Master,  and  that   Ravenswood  nad  get  his  laadl 


flCENB  V(.]]    THB  BRIBE  Of  LAMMERMOOR.  35 

■gain  frae  Sir  William  Ashton  :  and  ne'er  trust  me,  but 
we  shall  witness  some  bonny  wark  afore  lang. 

Mar.  But  if  a'  this  news  is  true,  micher,  we  shall  be 
uader  the  Ilavenswood  family  again — I  wish  Girder  hadna 
been  sae  uncivil  to  auid  Caleb  fialderstone,  the  last  tune 
he  called.  He  might  hae  spoken  a  gude  word,  in  case— 
[A  knock  at  the  door,  L.  s.  e.]      En,  wha  hae  we  here  ? 

Caleb.  [Without,  L,'^  How's  a' wi' ye  neebours?  how's 
a*  wi'  ye  ? 

Dame.  Eh,  mercy  !  but  it's  the  auld  mon  himsel'. 
Open  the  door,  Marion,  and  we'll  get  it  a'  out  o'  iiira. 
[Marion  opens  the  door  and  lets  in  Caleb.]  Ay,  sirs  !  Mr. 
Balderdtone,  and  is  it  you  ?  a  sight  o'  you  is  gude  for  sair 
een.  Sit  ye  doun,  sit  ye  doun— the  gudeman  will  be 
blythe  to  see  ye — ye  never  saw  him  sae  cadgy  in  your  life ; 
but  we  are  to  christen  our  bit  wean  the  nigiit,  as  ye  will 
hae  beard,  and,  doubtless,  ye  will  stay  and  see  the  ordi> 
nance.  We  hae  killed  a  wether,  and  ane  o'  our  lads  has 
been  out  wi'  his  gua  at  the  moss — ye  aye  wsid  to  like 
wild-fowl. 

Caleb.  Na,  na,  gadewife — I  just  keekit  in  to  wish  ye 
joy,  and  I  wad  hae  been  blythe  to  hae  spoken  wi'  the  gude- 
man, but [Goinff, 

Dame.  The  ne'er  a  lit  ye  gang ;  wha  kens  what  ill  it 
may  bring  to  the  bairn,  if  ye  overlook  it  in  that  gate  ? 

Caleb.  But  I'm  in  a  precious  harry  — [The  women  briny 
down  chairs,  force  Caleb  to  sit,  and  seat  themsclvei  on 
each  tide  of  him-l — And,  as  for  eating,  lack-a-day,  we 
are  just  killed  up  yonder  wi'  eating  frae  morning  till  night. 
It's  shamefu'  epicurism ;  but  that's  what  we  hae  gottea 
frae  the  English  poke-puddings. 

Dame.  [Bringing  down  a  dish  of  white  and  black  pud- 
dings,] Hout  1  never  mind  the  English  poke-puddings, 
but  try  our  puddings,  Mr.  Balderstone.  '1  here's  black 
puddings  and  white  hass,  try  whiik  ye  like  best. 

CaleL.  Baith  gude — baich  excellent! — canna  be  better  ; 
but  the  very  smell  is  eneugh  for  me,  that  hae  dined  so 
lately.  But  1  wadna  affront  your  housewifeship,  gudewife — 
and,  wi'  your  permission — [Taking  them  all,  and  putting 
them  into  his  pocket] — I'se  e'en  put  them  in  my  napkin, 
and  eat  them  to  my  supper  at  e'en,  for  I'm  weary  o'  My- 
sia's  pastry  and  nonsense.  Ye  ken,  Marion,  landward 
dainties  ave  pleased  me  best  ;  aye,  and  landward  lasses, 
too,  [Leering  at  Marion.]  Ne'er  a  bit  but  siie  I.hjks 
far  better  than  when  Girder  manied  her.  and  then  she  wai 


36  THB  BUIDB  OF  LAMMERMOOB.  [aCT  II. 

the  bonniest  lass  in  a'  our  parochine.     But  gawsie  cow, 
goodly  calf. 

Mav.  But  what  news  at  the  castle,  Mr.  Balderstone  ? 

Caleb.  News  !  the  bravest  news  ye  ev-er  heard.  Tliere's 
my  lord  coming  baine,  wi'  tite  Marquis  o'  .Atlioi,  and  he's 
to  get  the  lands  o'  Ravenswood  again,  and  so  1  just  wanted 
to  round  in  the  gudeman's  lug,  that  I  heard  tuem  say  up 
bye  yonder,  Peter  Puncheon,  the  cooper  to  the  queen's 
stores,  at  the  Tiinmer  Burse,  at  Leith,  is  dead — sae  I 
thocht  a  word  frae  my  lord  might  bae  served  Gilbert; 
but  since  he's  frae  hame 

Mar.  Oh,  but  ye  maun  bide  his  hame  coming.  He's 
awa  to  fetch  precious  Mr.  Bidethebent,  the  minister. 

Caleb.  Aye,  he's  a  precious  mon,  Bidethebent.  He  has 
a  gude  delivery.     Eh  !  he's  a  perfect  monitor  o'  a  mon. 

Mar.  I  aye  telled  Gilbert  ye  meant  weel  to  him,  but  he 
taks  the  tout  at  every  bit  lippening  word. 

Dame.  Ay,  ay,  he's  master  and  muir  at  hame,  I  caa  tell 
ye,  Mr.  Balderstone. 

Caleb.  Ay,  aiid  does  he  guide  the  gear,  too  ? 

Dame.  Ilka  penny  o't :  but  he'll  dress  her  as  dick  as  a 
daisy,  as  ye  see — she  bas  little  reason  to  complain  :  where 
there's  ane  better  aff,  there's  ten  waur. 

Caleb.  Aweel,  gudewife,  that  wasna  the  way  ye  guided 
your  gudeman  ;  but  ilk<i  land  has  its  ain  l»uch. 

Mar.  And  so  my  lord  is  coming  hame?  Troth,  and  a 
braw  gentleman  he  is,  ni'  a  face  and  a  hand,  and  a  seat  oa 
his  horse,  that  might  liae  become  the  king's  son :  d'ye  kea 
that  he  aye  used  to  glow'r  up  at  my  window,  Mr.  Caleb, 
when  he  rode  through  the  town  ;  sae  I  hae  a  right  to 
know  what  like  he  is,  as  weel  as  onybody. 

Caleb.  1  ken  that  brawly,  for  I  have  heard  his  lordship 
say,  the  cooper's  wife  had  the  blackest  ee  in  the  barony. 
And  I  answered,  '  Weel  may  that  be,  my  lord,  for  it  was 
her  mither's  afore  her,  as  1  know  to  my  cost ;'  eh,  Ma- 
rion ?  \_Laughing.'\  Ha,  ha,  ha  t  Ah,  those  were  merry 
days. 

Dame.  Hout,  awa !  ye  auld  carle,  to  speak  sae  daffing 
to  young  folk. 

Caleb.  Eh,  gude  save  us !  Dinna  ye  hear  the  baira 
greet  ?    [Dame  and  Marion  both  yel  up  in  great  alarm. 

Dame.  Eh.  Marion  !  Fie,  woman  !  Rin,  rin,  I  say.^ 
I'se  warrant  it's  that  dreary  weed  come  ower  it  again. 

\_The  two  tvuinen  run  out,  R. 

Caleb    [^Looking  round.'^  Now  is  the  time,  and  cauid  be 


ICBNB  I.]      TBR  BKIDS  OP  LAMMERHOOE  37 

mj  fast  if  either  Girder  or  Bidethebent  taste  that  broche 

o*  wild-fowl  this  evening.      ['J'u/ee*  a  pinch  of  snuff,   and 

tallt  Iha  Boy.]   Here,  my  mon,  here  is  twa  pennies — carry 

that  ower  tu  Mrs.  Sma'crash,  and  bid  her  fill  my  mull  wt' 

•neeshin^.  She'll  gie  ye  a  gingerbread  snap  for  your  pains, 

and  I'll  turn  the  broche  for  ye  in  the  meantime.      [Exit 

Boy,  L.  s.  E.     Caleb  watches  the  door,  then  de- 

liberately  puts  on  his  hat,  takes  both  spits  from 

the  Jire,  and  runs  out  with  them  at  door,  l.  s   z, 

END  or  ACT  II. 


ACT  III. 

CENE  I. — An  Apartment  in  Ravenstcood  Castle.     7V» 

Chairs. 

Lucy  Ashton  discovered,  l. 

Luey.  At  length  the  dreaded  hour  is  arrived,  and  this 
day  must  decide  my  fate.  Still,  still,  no  answer  to  my 
letters.  Where  is  the  hope,  the  last  and  lingering  hopo 
to  which  I  clung  for  safety,  like  a  drowning  wretch  ?  'Tit 
vanished !  and  despair  alone  remains.  Ravenswood  !  Ra- 
venswood !  have  1  deserved  that  you  should  thus  desert 
me :  thus  leave  me  unsupported  to  sustain  this  deadly 
persecution,  opposed  to  which  my  reason  wavers,  and  my 
poor  heart  is  breaking.  Where  can  I  turn  for  pity  or  for 
rescue  ?  Father  I  mother !  Those  names  should  mean 
protection,  tenderness,  and  love,  yet  speak  of  cruelty  and 
unrelenting  ri?our  !  One  friend  alone  remains.  In  the 
dark  grave,  all  human  sufferings  are  closed,  and  gladly 
will  I  welcome  death,  rather  than  break  the  faiih  I 
pledged  to  Ravenswood. 

Enter  Lady  Ashton,  r. 
Lady  a.  ^ucy,  my  love,  why  do  you  keep  ns  waiting? 
The  family  is  assembled,  and  the  business  must   proceed 
immediately.     Come,  I'll  conduct  you  to  the  hall. 

Lucy,  after  endeavouring  to  speak,  bursts  into  tears, 
and  throws  herself  at  her  mother's  feel. 
Lucy.  Oil,  my  mother  !     Save— spare   me  ! — but  for  • 
day— but  for  an  hour  ! 

D 


38^  TBB  BRIDR  OF  LA.MMERMOOB.       [ACT  III. 

Laiff  A.  Lucy,  what  means  this?  Rise,  I  command, 
you,  aad  restrain  your  agitation. 

Lucy.  Oh,  my  mother  !  do  not  spurn  me  from  you, 
but  for  one  moment  hear  me.  Urge  me  not,  I  conjure 
you,  to  fulfil  this  hated  contract' — my  death  will  be  the 
consequence.  By  the  memory  of  that  tender  love  with 
which  you  reared  my  infancy  and  childhood— by  the  deep 
sense  of  filial  duty  and  obedience  which,  till  this  fatal  mo- 
ment,  my  life  has  proved — I  entreat,  I  implore  you,  save 
me  from  misery  and  distraction  — and  save  yourself,  my 
mother,  from  that  remorse  which  your  own  heart  must 
one  day  feel,  for  having  brought  this  woe  upon  your 
wretched  child  t 

Lady  A.  Shame  on  such  weakness,  Lucy  I  Where  is 
your  pride  ?  your  duty  to  your  parents  and  your  family  ? 
All,  all  absorbed  in  one  disgraceful  passion  1 

Lucy.  My  vow  1  my  vow  I 

Lady  A.  His  silence  hss  absolved  you  from  it,  and 
proves  he  wishes  to  forget  his  own.  Have  we  not  heard, 
too,  that  he  is  on  the  point  of  marriage  with  another.^  If 
these  arguments  have  no  weight,  think  that  your  parents' 
word  is  pledged — their  honour  implicated — think  that, 
when  freely  left  to  hx  the  time,  you  named  this  day.  You 
cannot,  shall  not  now  retract — you  have  no  right  to  bring 
disgrace  upon  us  all — and  wherefore  ?  To  feed  a  hope 
which  never  can  be  realized— to  pine  in  secret  o'er  a  love, 
which  heaven  and  earth  alike  refuse  to  sanctioa.  Come  } 
we  have  too  long  delayed. 

Lucy.  Man  has  no  mercy  i  To  heaven,  then,  I  make 
my  last  appeal.  Grant  that  I  may  retain  my  senses  in  this 
fearful  trial.  Already  my  weak  brain  begins  to  waver. 
One  struggle  more,  and  all  will  be  concluded.  My  lot  is 
cast— and  now,  madam,  I  obey  you.  {^Ejceunt,  r. 

SCENE  IL— -The  Grand  Hall  in  Ravemwood  Cattle. 
Folding  doors  in  c. — the  only  entrance  to  the  apartment. 
A  table  and  two  chairs,  L.  s.  £. ;  one  chair,  r. 

Sir  William  Ashton,  Co/one/ Ashtqn,  Henry,  Buck- 
law,  Randolph,  a  Clergyman,  and  all  the  Domestics 
discovered. 

Enter  Lady  Ashton,  leading  in  Lucy,  c.  d.  r.     All  the 
Gentlemen  bow. 
Sir  W,  Now,   then,   to  tlie  business  of  the  day.     The 
parties  are  ail  assembled.     Are  the  writings  prepared? 


SCRNE  II.]     TUB  BRIOB  OF  IJVMMBRMOOR.  39 

Rand.  Everything  is  ready,  my  lord. 

Sir  W.  Tneii  let  us  proc«pd  at  once.  Nothing  n:.w  ic 
wanting  bur  the  form:il  sigiiatur<:  of  »[[  concerned.  The 
marriage  ceremony  must  titea  be  completed. 

[Cue*  lo  the  tabu  to  sign. 
Rand,  (r.)   [Approaching  Lucy.]   Yet,  ere  tl>e  solmin 
contract   be  peifunned,    perrtiit   me  to  express    my  fervent 
hope,   that   the  union  between   these   honourable   persons 
may  prove  a  source  of  long  and  lasting  happiness.     Be  not 
cast  down.  Miss  Lucy,  but  meet  a  scene  of  joy  with  clieer- 
ful  looks.     Doubt   not,  obedience  to  your  parents'  wishes 
will  heal  your  wounded  mind,  aad  crown  your  future  days 
with  many  blessings.         [During  this,  the  Gentlemen  have 
all   signed    the   contract ;     Sir    William,  firtt ; 
Bucklaw,  second  ;  and  Culnnel  Ashtun,  third. 
Sir  W.  Now,  Lucy,  we  wait  your  signature  alone. 
littcy.  I  obey  you,  sir.      [She  rises  ;  — seeing  her  weak- 
ness.   Lady  Ashton  offers  to  support  her  to  the 
table,  which  she  rfjects. 
Lady  A.  Rouse   yourself,  Lucy  !      [To  the  Company .'^ 
My  daughter's  health  iias  long  been  delicate,  and  sne  gives 
way  too  much.      [Lucy  crosses  slowly  to   the  table,    Sir 
William  gives  her  a  pen,   and  she.  ufier  several 
efforts,  signs  her  name.   At  this  inoment  a  violent 
noise  is  heard  without. 
Servant.   [Without,  c.  d.  f.]   You  pass  not  here,  sir  I 
Rav.   [Without.'}   Villains,  stand  back  !     He   dies  who 
opposes  my  entrance. 

Lucy.   [Drops  the  pen,  rises  from  her  chair,   and  ex* 
claims]— -It  is  he  t     It  is  he  !      He  is  come  !    he  is  come  ! 
[She  falls  into  her  Mother's  arms. 

Enfer  Ravenswood,  bursting  open  the  folding  doors, 
■  and  coming  forward,  c.  ;  his  dress  is  much  disordered, 
and  partly  enveloped  in  a  large  riding  cloak,  his  hat 
slouched,  his  face  haggard  and  pale.  They  all  start 
With  astonishment.  Lucy  raises  herself,  and  Mlanda 
gazing  on  him,  as  if  petrified.  A  pause. 
Lady  A,  (r  )  [Recovering  herself]  I  demand  to  know 
the  cause  of  this  rude  and  unauthorised  intru.«ion  ! 

Col.  A.  (l.  c.)  That  is  a  question  which  1  have  the  best 
rigtut  to  ask,  and  I  request  the  Master  of  Ravenswood  to 
follow  me,  where  he  can  answer  at  his  leisure. 

Buck,  (l.)  No   man  shall  usurp   my  previoua  right  in 
deuaading  an  ezplauation  from  the  Master, 
n  2 


10  TUB  BRIDB  OF  LAMMERMOOR.        [aCT  III. 

Col.  A.  I  will  relinquish  to  no  one  my  right  of  calling 
to  account  the  man  who  has  offered  this  unparalleleu 
itfront  to  my  family. 

Rav.  (c.)  Be  patient,  gentlemen.  If  you  are  as  weary 
jf  yuur  itvt-s  as  1  am,  1  nili  hnd  tune  and  place  tu  pledge 
mine  against  one  or  both  ;  but,  ai  present,  1  have  uu  lei- 
ture  for  the  di>putes  of  triflt;rs. 

Cut.  A-  and  Buck.    [D: awing ."^  Tiiflers  ! 
Sir  W.   [lileppiuff  between  ihem.]   My  son,  I  command 
you — Bucklaw,    I  entreat    you — keep    the  peace,    iu    tbs 
name  of  tiic  queen,  and  of  the  law. 

Rand.  (r.  c.)  In  the  name  of  the  law  of  heaven,  I  im- 
plore— 1  beseech — 1  couainand  you  to  forbear  violence  to- 
wards each  other. 

Col.  A.  Do  you  take  me  for  a  dog,  sir,  or  something 
more  brutally  stupid,  to  endure  this  insult  in  my  father's 
house  ?  Let  me  go,  Bucklaw  *  He  shall  account  to  me, 
or  by  heaven  I  will  stab  him  where  he  stands. 

Buck.  Yuu  shall  not  touch  him  here.  He  once  gave 
me  my  life,  and  were  he  the  devil  come  to  fly  away  with 
the  whole  house  and  generation,  he  shall  have  nothing  but 
fair  play. 

Rav.  Let  him  who  really  seeks  danger  take   the  fitting 
time  when   it  is  to  be   found.     My  mission   here  will   be 
Bhortly  accomplished.      [Turning  to  Lucy,  and  }irijducing 
her  Utter.}      Is  that,  madam,  your  hand? 
Lucy.    {Fit  a  /altering  voice.]    Yes. 

Rav.    [Producing  the  contract.]  And   is  this  also  your 
band  ?     [Lucy  make.i  an  effort  to  answer  ;  Hir  William, 
finding  she  is  unable,  speaks.] 
Sir  W.  If  you  design  to  found  any  legal  claim  on  that 
engagement,  sir,  do  not  expect  to  receive  an  answer  here. 

Rao.  Sir  William  Ashton,  I  pray  you,  and  all  who  hear 
me,  that  you  will  not  mistake  criy  jxirpose.  If  this  young 
lady,  of  her  own  free.  will,  desires  tcie  restoration  of  this 
contract,  as  her  letter  would  .seem  to  imply,  there  is  not  a 
witiiered  leaf,  whicii  this  autumn  wind  strews  upon  the 
h'!%th,  that  is  more  valueless  in  my  eyes.  But  I  must  and 
will  hear  the  truth  from  her  own  mouth  :  without  this  sa- 
tisfaction I  will  not  leave  the  spot.  Murder  me  by  num- 
bers, you  possibly  may  :  but  I  am  an  armed  man  —1  am  a 
desperate  man — and  1  will  not  die  without  ample  vengeance. 
Tnis  is  my  resolution,  take  it  as  you  may.  1  nill  hear  her 
determination  from  her  own  mouth,  alone,  and  without 
witaesset.     [Taking  out  two  pittolt.  All  draw  at  ht  ftt- 


•CBNB  It.]  TiiR  nnrns  op  lammrhmoor.  41 

ttnir  tJtem]  Now  choose  whether  you  will  have  this  hall 
fltut»-il  wit!)  blood,  or  ^raiit  ine  tiie  decisive  interview  with 
my  adiituced  bride,  wlncu  tiie  laws  of  God  and  tiie  country 
aliix'e  entitle  me  to  demand. 

Hand.  Ill  tne  name  of  heaven,  receive  an  overture  frotn 
the  meanest  of  its  servants.  What  this  gentlenaan  demands, 
though  urged  with  over  violence,  ha'h  in  it  something  of 
reason.  Let  him  hear  from  Miss  Lucy's  own  lii)s,  that  she 
hath  acceded  to  the  will  of  her  parents,  and  repents  of  her 
covenanc  wiih  him.  Let  him  have  the  interview  on  whicii 
be  insisteth.  It  can  but  be  a  passing  piuig  to  the  maiden, 
and  then  he  will  depart  in  pssace  unto  hiii  own  dweliirig, 
aad  cumber  us  no  more. 

Lady  A.  Never  !  Never  shall  this  man  speak  in  pri- 
vate with  my  daughter — the  afliaticed  bride  of  another. 
Pass  from  the  room  who  will,  I  remain  here.  I  fear  nei- 
ther his  violence  nor  his  weapons,  tiiough  some  who  bear 
my  name  appear  more  moved  by  them. 

Rand.  Nay,  madam,  let  me  entreat  you,  add  not  fuel 
to  firebrands.  The  Master  of  llavenswood  cannot.  I  am 
sure,  object  to  your  presence,  the  young  lady's  state  of 
htalth  being  cimsideied,  and  your  maternal  duty.  1  myself 
vill  also  tarry.   Perhaps  my  gray  hairs  may  turn  away  wrath. 

Rav.  You  are  welcome  to  remain,  sir,  and  Lady  Ashtun 
also,  if  she  thinks  proper;   but  let  all  others  depart. 

Col.  A.  [Croshhig  to  Raveiiswood.]  Ravenswood,  you 
tball  account  for  this  ere  long.  [_Ej:H,  c.  v.  r. 

Rav.   Whenever  you  please,  sir. 

Bud.  \_Crossing  to  llaveuswood."]  Bat  I  have  a  prior 
demand  on  your  leisure — a  claim  of  some  standing. 

Rav.  Arrange  it  as  you  will.  Leave  me  but  this  day  in 
peace,  and  I  shall  have  no  dearer  employment  on  earth  to- 
morrow than  to  give  you  all  the  satisfaction  you  may  de- 
aire.  \_Exit  Bucktaw,  c   d.  f. 

Sir  W.  [Going.']  Master  of  Ravenswood.  I  tiiink  I  have 
not  deserved  that  you  siiould  make  this  scandal  and  out- 
rage in  my  family.  If  you  will  lay  down  your  weapons, 
and  follow  me  into  my  study 

Rav.  To-morrow,  sir— to-morrow.  To-morrow  I  will 
bear  you  at  lentith.  This  day  hath  its  own  sacred  and  in- 
dispensable busiuess.  [Exit  Sir  William  and  ail  the  At- 
tendants, c.  D.  F.  Lady  Ash/on  goes  to  Lucy, 
brings  her  forcilily  down  to  the  /runt,  near  c, 
leaves  her,  and  passes  behind  to  i..  Ravenswood 
puts  up  his  pislolt,  fastent   the  door,  and  re- 


49 


TIIR  BRIDR  UP  I.AMMRRMOOR.      [aCT  Itl. 


tttrng — iakp.i  o^  hit  hat,  and  gazes  on  Lucy  with 
a  tnniyli'd  eu'/irnxxitm  iif  suirnxit  iiuil  iiidiynatiun. 

Rav.  (l.  c  )  Do  yi)u  kiniw  nie,  Miss  Asliloii  r  I  aia 
■till  li«l(;ar  lUveiiswoixl — 1  am  siiil  tiiut,  Jiil^Mr  Uhv  ii«- 
wooil,  who.  for  your  Hlfectioii,  renounced  tiie  denr  lies  by 
wliico  iiijureii  honour  bound  him  to  xeek  vengeunoK  —  I  mn 
thill  Uiivinswood,  who  lor  your  Krike  furg^ive,  n;ty,  clH^pe<l 
liatiils  in  fritMidship,  with  the  opjiicssor  and  |iillii>;er  uf  iiis 
house  —  the  Iriiducer  and  inuidert-r  of  his  father  ! 

Laili/  A.  (i..)  My  daugtiter,  sir,  has  no  occasion  to  dis- 
pute the  identity  of  your  person.  Tlie  venom  of  your 
present  languay;e  is  sufficient  to  remind  her  Iliac  lilic  spcdka 
with  the  mortal  enemy  of  her  family. 

Jiao.  1  pray  you  to  be  pati<'nt,  madnm  :  my  answer  must 
come  from  liei'  own  lijis.  Once  more,  Miss  A->liton,  I  aia 
that  llaveiiswood  to  wiiom  you  (granted  tlie  solemn  engage- 
ment wijicii  you  here  desire  to  retract  and  cuucul. 

Jjuci/.    it  was  my  motiier  ;    1 

Lndij  A.  She  speaks  truly  :  it  was  I  who  advised,  per- 
suaded, and  commanded  her  to  set  aside  an  unhappy  and 
piecipitate  eni;ageineiit. 

Jiav.  [To  Lucy.']  And  is  this  all?  Are  you  willing  to 
bi:terKWOiii  faitii,  the  fxercise  of  freewill  and  niutual 
alTection,  to  such  unnatural  and  iiard-hearted  tyranny  ? 
Hear  again  wliat  I  have  sacrificed  for  you,  ere  you  sancriun 
what  has  been  done  in  your  name.  The  lioiiour  of  an  an- 
cient family — the  urgent  advice  of  tiiy  best  friends  have 
been  used  in  vain  to  sway  my  resolution — neither  the  ar- 
guments of  reason,  nor  ttie  portents  of  superstition,  have 
shaken  my  faith.  Tlis  very  dead  have  arisen  to  warn  me, 
and  their  warnings  have  Ijeen  despised.  Are  you  prepared 
to  pierce  my  heart,  for  its  fuielity,  with  the  very  weapons 
which  my  rasli  confiden(;e  entrusted  to  your  grasp  ? 

Lady  A.  Master  of  Ravenswood.  you  have  asked  what 
questions  you  thougiit  fit ;  you  see  the  total  incapacity  of 
my  daughter  to  answer  you.  Hut  I  will  reply  for  her,  and 
in  a  manner  which  you  cannot  dispute.  You  desire  to 
know  whetiier  Lucy  Ashton,  of  her  own  free  will,  wishes 
to  atinul  the  engagement  into  which  bite  has  been  tre- 
panned I  You  have  her  letter,  under  her  own  hand,  de- 
manding the  surrender  of  it ;  and,  as  yet  in(<re  full  evi- 
dence of  her  purpose,  here  is  the  contract,  which  she  ha* 
this  morning  sut).^crlbt■d.  in  presence  of  this  reverend  gen- 
tleman, will)  Mr.  llayston,  uf  Uuuklaw.  \_Uetir»$  up,  and 
comes  down  v..  of  Litcy, 


ICBMBII.3     THB  BRIDB  OF  liAMMRRMCOR.  43 

Rav.  [Having  gazed  upon  the  deeds  iu  mute  attonish- 
ment.]  Ana  it  was  witnuut  fraud  or  cuuipulsiua  Uiac  sho 
cuUsoribed  tins  pHrchiiietit  ? 

Rand.  I  VOUCH  it  upon  my  sacred  character. 
Rav.  Tins  IS  indeed  an  umleiimble  piece  of  evidence, 
anii  It  n'uutd  be  equHliy  useless  and  dishonourable  Co  wtiste 
anociier  word  in  reaionsciance  or  re}iroacii.  [Lad;/  Asltion 
comes  for  ward. ^  Tliere,  madam — [Uivitig  to  Lucy  the 
paper  and  piece  of  gold] — tliese  are  the  tejliinoiiics  of 
youi'  first  engagement ;  you  may  be  more  fuitlitul  to  tiiat 
whicii  you  have  just  foinied.  1  will  now  trouble  you  to 
return  the  corresponding  tokens  of  my  lU-placed  couti- 
deuce — I  ougnt  ratiier  to  say  of  my  egregious  folly  ! 

\_Lucg  gazes  on  hint  tmconscioim'g,  raises  her  hanns, 
and  endeavours  to  disengage  the  riband,  by  whi.^h 
the  piece  of  gold  is  suspended  round  her  neck. 
Lady  Ashton  assists  her — she  gives  (he  gold  and 
a  paper  to  Ravenswood. 
Lucy.  It  was  the  last  huk  which  bound  me  to  life,  and 
it  is  broken  1 

Rav.  [Much  affected.]  And  she  could  wear  it  thus — 
could  wear  it  in  her  very  bosom — could   wear   it  next  her 

heart — even  when But  complaint  avails   not.      [TearM 

the  contract.]  1  will  no  longer  be  an  intruder  here.  Your 
evil  wishes,  and  your  worse  offices,  Lady  A>luon,  I  will 
oiilv  return,  by  hoping  these  will  be  your  last  machinations 
against  the  honour  «ind  happiness  of  your  daugiiter.  [Turn' 
ing  to  Lucy  ]  And  to  you,  madam,  1  have  nothing  further 
to  say,  except  a  prayer  to  heaven  that  you  may  not  become 
a  world's  wonder  for  this  act  of  wilful  and  deliberate  per- 
jury.     [Going. 

Lucy.  [  Who  has  been  endeavouring  to  rally  her  spirit* 
for  a  last  effort,  breaks  from  her  mother,  and  grasps  htm 
by  the  arm.]  Stay  !  Oh,  stay  !  Rav — Ravenswood — my 
heart  is  breaking,  and  1  cannot  tell  you  :  but  do  nut  leave 
me  thus — a  few  moments,  and  all  will  be  over. 

Lady  A.  [Alarmed  at  her  violence,  and  advancing  to- 
wards her  one  or  two  paces.]    Lucy,  my  dearest  Lucy  ! 

Lucy.  Touch  me  not,  mother — 'tis  now  too  laie — I  am 
bevond  all  fear.  Ravenswood,  you  know  not  what  1  have 
endured— all  united  Hgainst  me — your  long  silence — luy 
letters  intercepted — no  friend  to  uid — no  succour — no  re- 
■ource.  Taey  have  broken  my  heart ;  but  never,  nevef 
could  they  change  my  love.  [Falling  in  Ait  arnu.]  Ra- 
veastrood,  forgive — forgive  me.     [Diet. 


44  THB  BRIDR  OF  LAMMF.RMOOK.       [aCT  III. 

Rav.  Almighty  Heaven  !  The  hand  of  death  is  on  her 
pallid  cheek — she  dies  to  prove  her  (aich  ;  and  I — no,  no  ; 
'tis  thou,  accursed  fiend  in  human  form — tnou  liast  dis- 
graced the  name  of  raothft  -thou,  thou  hasc  destroyed  thy 
child  1  Speak  !  speak  W  e,  Lucy  !  one  word  to  save  uie 
iioia  the  hell  that  lages  .'.  this  Losom  ! 

[Raveitiwood  yi.'  :s  on  the  body  of  Lucy  in  all  the 
frenzy  of  di  i  air.  Lady  Athlon,  who  has  ap' 
peared  siru  -t  with  the  utmost  horror,  faints— >^ 
Randolph  :'ii,iports  her  to  a  chair,  r.  The  doors 
are  violen.  u  bunt  open,  and  Sir  William,  Colonel 
Ashton,  Bucklaw,  and  all  the  Doinestics  rush  in, 
with  swords  drawn.  Sir  William  comes  down,  l.  ; 
the  rest,  r. 
Sir  W.  My  daughter,dead  ! 

Buck.  There    stands    the    murderer  I     Rush    on    him  I 
Tear  him  from  her  1   Revenge!  revenge!      {All prepare  to 
rush  on  Ravenswaud.  who  i«  on  the  ground,  hold- 
ing the  body  of  Lucy  in  his  arms.     He  rises  and 
turns  to  them. 
Rav.  Behold  your  victim  !     Pause  not,  but  plunge  your 
weapons  here,  home  to  my  heart  ;    each  hand  ttiat  strikes, 
I  welcome   as  a  friend — but  mortal   force   siiall  never  tear 
her  from  me.      Inhuman  monsters,  you   have   killed    her  J 
and  now  she's  n.iiie  for  ever  !      |  They  are  all   rushing  on 
him  ;  Colonel  Ashton  interferes. 

Col.  A.   Hold  !  1  command  ye  all.     To  me,  to  roe  alone, 
his  blood  is  due.     By  roy  hand  he  falls,  or  here  complete* 
the  ruin  of  my  family.   Ravenswood,  arise,  and  singly  meet 
me ;  rise,   murderer  !  coward,   rise  !      [Ravenswood  starts 
up,  draws,  and  engages  Colonel  Ashtan.      At  the 
first  pass,  Ravenswood  runs  upon  his  sword. 
Rav.  Thus  I  provoke  my  fate.      [Falls,  c]      'Tis  past! 
the  prediction  is  fulfilled  ;   the  blood  of  Ravenswood  flows 
in  the  hail  of  his  ancestors  1     Accursed   race,  contemplate 
and  enjoy  your  savage  triumph — vre  are  beyond  your  ma- 
lice. Lucy,  1  come  : — in  life  they  severed  us,  but  iu  death 
we  are  united.      [Dies. 

DISPOSITION  OF  THE  CHARACTERS  AT  THB 

FALL  OF  THE  CURTAIN. 

%.     Domest;cs.  DoMr.iiTics.     l. 

Lady  Ashton.  Lucy.  Col,  Ashton. 

Randolph.      Ravenswood.        Bucklaw. 
SiB  WiJULiAM.  HfiNar, 

THB  END. 


A  A  001  425  792 


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